Sanity - Postcards From Siberia [CD]

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Sanity: Postcards From Siberia [TG-08]
Date Of Release: 23 June 2024

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Postcards From Siberia, the latest full-length record from New Jersey-based rapper Sanity, is a masterful blend of personal narrative and social commentary, setting a new standard in the realm of hip-hop storytelling. In this record, Sanity delves deep into his own experiences, using them as a springboard for a series of tracks that are as unique in their storytelling as they are rich in depth.

Sanity's approach to this project was driven by a desire to ensure that each track stood distinct, each with its own story, effectively allowing listeners to identify and connect with individual messages and narratives. This approach is a testament to his belief in the importance of substance in rap lyrics, and a connection to a larger, centralized theme. His life experiences, both challenging and diverse, serve as a fertile ground for his creative expression, allowing him to craft songs that are not just musically engaging but also emotionally resonant. A central theme of the album is the metaphor of a 'cold' environment, a reflection of the social and cultural challenges the rapper has faced in places like New Jersey and upstate New York. These areas, occasionally described as lacking in warmth and friendliness, create a backdrop against which the struggles and triumphs of an artist are cast. This theme is accentuated through the incorporation of clips from documentaries about cold locations, symbolizing the hidden "icy gifts" that lie within such harsh environments.

Sanity's recording process at Homefront Studios in Essex County, NJ, was an intricate journey of trial and error. The process of recording, re-recording, editing, mixing, and sometimes even replacing entire beats or verses, highlights his dedication to achieving a perfect sound, putting the theme of the project above all else. The studio, with its comfortable vibe and walls adorned with diverse music posters, played a crucial role in the creative process, reminiscent of the early days of the rapper's prior recording experiences in various improvised studios.

In Bush Era Babiez, Sanity reflects on the generation that came of age during the Bush-Cheney era, a time marked by political and social upheaval. The song addresses the long-term impact of that era's events, drawing a stark contrast between the superficial glamor of today's rap scene and the deeper, more meaningful hip-hop of his generation. The song not only serves as a critique but also as a homage to Da Bush Babees, a 1990s hip hop trio known for their genuine approach to music and critique of inauthenticity in the industry. Really Really Hated is another standout track where Sanity explores various manifestations of hate. The song traverses different scenarios, from personal experiences of disrespect and shifting social dynamics to deeper issues of jealousy and the importance of forgiveness. Yet, it also acknowledges the deep-seated biases and dangers they pose. The final verse challenges the notion of envy towards success, emphasizing the sacrifices required for achievement and questioning the entitlement of those who covet success without commensurate effort.

The record was independently released by Sanity on 10 March 2023, and has been re-released in affiliation with MorningStar Records. This re-release features a revised track listing, complete remaster, and the inclusion of bonus tracks featuring members of the Wu-Tang Clan.

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Track List:

01 : Tunnelvisionz / Really Really Hated (ft. Muza G) [05:20]
02 : The Coldest Place On Earth / Diss Goes Out 2 U [03:58]
03 : The World's Most Depressing City / Fucked Up Today [03:49]
04 : Lithuanian Memorial / Salvation Soundz (ft. Gypsy) [05:08]
05 : Cowards Respect Pain [02:49]
06 : The Beast Iz Strong [03:21]
07 : Bush Era Babiez [04:14]
08 : That's How Jersey Do / PS / The Last Postcard (ft. Gypsy) [05:59]

Bonus Tracks:

09 : Really Really Hated (RZA Mix) [02:52]
10 : Ovaltine [01:50]
11 : Pandemic Prophecy [03:38]
12 : The True Cost (Hard Shit) [02:14]
13 : Postcards From Siberia (ft. Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa and Method Man) [03:17]