Googie is a New York emcee that has been working as part of the Karma Kids crew, as well as a solo artist. His last solo album, ‘Tis What ‘Tis, came out back in 2016. He now returns with a brand-new effort, Floating Polygons.

One of the first things that will hit you in listening to this album is just how much fun it is. First and foremost, Googie knows how to rock a crowd and keep everybody entertained. He’s got this nice low voice with a really clear and articulate delivery, and he knows how to work melody and rhythm into his flow to keep your ears perked as he works through his rhymes. An added dimension to this album that wasn’t as prevalent on his last album is this abstract, philosophical side to Googie, such as the sci-f-inspired daydream of the opening track, “Quasars,” and he manages to mix that in and expand his sound while not sacrificing the fun side of his music. For the project, he enlists the help of producers Raisi K., Esseks, Cousin Gabriel, Headtrip, Blockhead, General FX, Sifu, Wes Wax, Octopi Hip Hop, and FAWWN. Together, all these cooks help Googie cook up this really well-rounded sound to the album, hitting on some gritty East Coast boom bap, but also working in some Latin rhythms, such as on “Drug Watch Gun Law” or “Curve Buttons,” or the floating abstract sounds of “Kneecaps,” or the weird sci-fi sounds of “Movin’ On (Polygon Wit Da Wind).” It all flows together, and helps push Googie to try different things out and show you all the different sides the artist has to offer. There’s the veteran rapper born and raised in New York whose a little jaded and wants you know what it was like back in the day, there’s the guy who wants to dance and have a good time, there’s the guy who wants to explore philosophical questions and learn about math and science, and there’s the guy who wants to open up about the pain and hard times he’s been through, and what he’s learned along the way. It’s all there on Floating Polygons, and it all makes for a really intriguing and entertaining listening experience.

Googie has been around for a minute as part of the New York hip hop scene, and he’s given us good albums before, but nothing has been as well-rounded and fun to listen to as Floating Polygons. He’s really pushed himself to become a complete emcee, and in the process he’s given us one of the best albums of the summer.