Fly Siifu - “Tha Divide” (w/ ZelooperZ, MAVI, & Concept Jack$on)

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Flatbush Zombies, Outkast, Young Fathers

Though it’s only been a little over a year since Fly Siifu’s self-titled debut, the pairing of Fly Anakin and Pink Siifu has already produced a wealth of collaborative material including followup EP $moke Break and “Black Be The Source” from Fly Anakin’s upcoming record Frank. Dense indie rap lyricist Fly Anakin melds perfectly with the more eclectic, R&B-influenced melodies of Pink Siifu, forming a collaboration that is jazzy, spacy, and impactful. It’s interesting that the combination of the two artists yields some of the most patient material of either’s catalog; Fly Siifu is a project of respect and listening versus a back-and-forth game of musical catch. Much of their tracks are under two minutes and it works due to Fly Siifu’s studied ability to make a succinct statement without sounding rushed. Rather Fly Siifu’s records are in tight control even in its most chill moments, allowing the songwriting and rapping talent of both artists to concurrently float to the top. (Kevin McStravick)