Routiger Slob is and emcee from Toronto who has been putting out music for over a decade now. For his latest project, out on Milled Pavement, he teams up with a Russian producer by the name of Ilya Id to release an EP called Flux Apogee.

Flux Apogee is a short release, but it’s impactful. Ilya Id knows how to put together some hard hitting, metal/industrial-influenced beats that will start strong, end strong, and not let up at any point over the course of the five songs on this EP. This style of production pairs well with Routiger Slob, who has a gruff, low voice on the mic and a very deliberate flow as he works in lyrics that go from shit talking to doom saying. This is all to say that Flux Apogee is not for the faint of heart, or even for casual listening. This is hip hop that demands your full attention. It won’t be for everyone, since this is far from pop friendly or danceable, but for those that are looking for something darker and different, this will be for you. Ilya Id produces some of the densest and darkest beats you’ll hear this year, and Routiger Slob is right there with him to deliver lyrics just as dense and dark. There’s also no wasted space, just five solid, intense tracks, and then they’re out. Which is also smart, because at this length you’re able to appreciate what they’re doing without it becoming too much to bear, given how intense this music is.

On it’s surface, this might seem like just another hip hop EP with a collaboration between producer and emcee. Once you press play, though, there’s no escaping the unique and confrontational sound that these two put together on Flux Apogee.