ELUCID is an artist that has kept himself busy over the years, whether it be as a solo artist or as part of groups like Armand Hammer, Cult Favorite, or Nostrum Grocers. One of the things that can get lost in the mix, since he’s such a presence on the mic, is that he’s also an accomplished producer. After a very busy 2018 which saw releases from his various groups, he now takes a moment to let his production shine as he releases a collection of musical sketches he made while on the road, Every Egg I Cracked Today Was Double Yolked.

One of the interesting things about this collection is they ways in which ELUCID both plays to and defies expectations as a producer. Most people know him for a particular style of dark, dense, confrontational hip hop, and to that extent, there are some noisy, distorted, grimy beats that will be satisfy a lot of listeners. What makes this release just a little more special and not just a filler collection of unfinished beats, is that we get to see some other side of his production, and just a few thought-provoking moments of vocal clips as lyrics as well. There are times when ELUCID really leans into his love of free jazz, and moments where things get more meditative and soulful as well. It’s also a collection that has been carefully sequenced to flow together really well and take you on this short intellectual and emotional journey, where one minute might be a little stressful and chaotic, but then the next might feel like a beautiful respite from the rest of the world. The real gem is how ELUCID guides you to the end track, “Leviticus,” which is a gorgeous, peaceful track, and features a reading from Gwendolyn Brooks’ children book, “Aloneness.” It’s a really nice moment of contemplation to end on.

Every Egg I Cracked Today Was Double Yolked is a nice collection from ELUCID that is better than the filler release it might look like on the surface. It’s also a nice reminder that ELUCID is multi-faceted artist, and he deserves your respect as a producer.