2020 has undeniably been a great year for music. Every month has seen the release of new singles, albums, or EPs that have been career defining for their creators. 1999 the new EP by Rich Brian is no stranger to this feat, as the rapper invites us into his most thematic work yet. 

Released on August 25, the EP has over 12 million streams on Spotify, with three singles and music videos to match.  However, 1999’s true success isn’t rooted in its charts numbers but rather in Brian’s pioneering tracks that almost serve as a coming of age film. A highly reflective EP, 1999 details certain trajectories of life, from learning to accept change to remaining true to yourself. 

Lyrically it is one of Brian’s most impressive works. Whether it’s an outright display of authenticity and personal anecdotes as seen in the track “Sometimes,” or a display of emotional vulnerability as seen in “When You Come Home,” 1999 is a culmination of beautifully crafted storytelling. Almost every song is tied to the other through its lyrics, as Brian’s seven-track EP becomes a diary detailing his navigation through life, love, art, fame, and even quarantine. 

Sonically it is also his most experimental work to date. The influence from different genres like pop, R&B, synth-wave, and funk are apparent, and for the first time we even get to hear Brian sing. Tracks like “DOA” and “Love in My Pocket” show how far Brian’s grown as an artist, and how willing he is to take risks and constantly evolve his sound. The EP has a song for everyone and for every mood. From fun, dance tracks like “DOA,” to more rap-driven tracks like “Don’t Care,” to slow ballads like “When You Come Home,” 1999 is a full sonic experience. 

As a whole, the EP is all-encompassing both lyrically and sonically. Brian’s words and beats cover the entire array of experience and emotion that come with growing up. From start to finish, the EP feels like a testament to Brian’s life thus far, and is surprisingly a life that we can all actually relate to. Whether you’re missing someone, or falling in love, or finding happiness in the little things, 1999 is a guarantee that you’re not going through it alone- there’s also a 21-year old Indonesian rapper going through it with you. 

You can stream 1999 out now.