B. Cool-Aid is a hip hop duo featuring Birmingham/Los Angeles emcee Pink Siifu and Long Beach producer Ahwlee. They made their debut with the release of BRWN in 2017, and then followed that up with an EP called Syrup in 2019. Now the duo is back with their most ambitious project to date, Leather Blvd.

One of the things that makes B. Cool-Aid such an interesting duo is that both artists fluctuate between the accessible and the avantgarde, and you never really know which side of them you’re going to get until you listen to the music. In the case of Leather Blvd., you’re not going to get much in the way of pop songs, or at least not any singles. The whole project flows more like an old school mixtape, where beats and sketches and verses and sung parts all just flow and weave in and out of each other. It’s like you just ride a wave, go along with the flow, and appreciate certain moments along the way when things get really exciting. There’s a heavy R&B influence to the album, but there’s also a lot of experimental electronic music as well. The moments that click and have everything line up, though, tend to be these smooth jams. Much in this mixtape spirit, there are also a lot of guests stopping by to add just a little bit of flavor, with Butcher Brown, DJ Harrison, Melanie Charles, Liv.e, V.C.R., Maurice II, Mndsgn., Akeema-Zane, Jimetta Rose, Devin Morrison, Pher, MoRuf, Ladybug Mecca, Kamila, Blk Deco, SALIMATA, Demae, Nita Darling, Funky Chunky, Big Rube, Quelle Chris, Denmark Vessey, and Foushee all joining in on the fun. It’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen, to be sure, but a lot of these artists are just hopping on for a short moment to add a very specific part and then getting out of the way. It’s still the big picture that B. Cool-Aid are painting together as a duo, and that’s what makes the album work.

Leather Blvd. might not be the most accessible album that either artist has made, but there’s something to be said for Pink Siifu and Ahwlee throwing caution to the wind and making an album that’s weird and experimental and without a lot of hooks. It’s still compelling, and if you’re willing to sit with it and go along for the ride, B. Cool-Aid will reward you with some special moments along the way.