— Atlanta-based rapper and producer, Barry’s Dead!, releases his new EP, A Comedian is Dead, and quickly follows with its first music video.
If you aren’t already familiar, Barry’s Dead! is an independent rapper and producer residing in Atlanta, GA. This incredibly versatile Hip-Hop artist has a knack for delivering masterful works of art using a variety of production styles, cadences, and rhyme schemes among other things. His latest project, A Comedian is Dead, exemplifies just that.
A Comedian is Dead is named after an opening line in the Watchmen comic book series and ironically plays off of Barry’s Dead!’s own namesake as well. Produced entirely by the multi-faceted artist himself, the album takes us on a wide-reaching journey — especially when it comes to the production.
Opening the project with its title track, “A Comedian is Dead” starts off with mysterious and eerie production as Barry’s Dead! softly croons an equally eerie chant before switching things up with a raucous guitar riff and thunderous drums. The track then settles into a groovy bass-heavy instrumental allowing Barry’s Dead! to showcase his lyrical superiority in a rigorous rapid-fire flow.
The Rock-influenced “Love You Less” follows the opening track as Barry’s Dead! shows that a career as a rockstar isn’t exactly out of reach. Backed by electrifying guitar wailing, crashing symbols, and trunk-rattling drum cadences, “Love You Less” is one of the best Hip-Hop/Rock records to be released in recent years.
The next 2 tracks on the project, “If U Evr Need Sumthin” and “Down and Out” (feat. 3AG Pilot), are two of its best as Barry’s Dead! really gets in his zone. As far as production goes, both records are upheld by phenomenal instrumentals. The former contains incredibly soulful sample-based production while the latter has a slightly more uptempo vibe. However, both contain some of the project’s most captivating and introspective lyrics. For example, Barry’s Dead! looks back on his gradual progression on “If U Evr Need Sumthin” as he raps,
“Life is a skit, man, this show is Amanda
Kenan and Kel, used to sip on a Fanta
2015, you was singin’ ‘bout pandas
2015, I was lonely and stranded
2019, I was crazy and manic
2020, mixin’ booze and the Xanax
0-2-2, now I’m causin’ a panic
Don’t know you, now I f*ck up the planet”
On track 5, “Anti-Hero Interlude,” we get back into the genre-blending as we melt into a two and a half minute psychedelic rock instrumental. Although it may seem like a complete deviation from the project on paper, it absolutely fits. So much so, you won’t want to skip it. I’d even go a step further by saying that the project wouldn’t feel the same without it.
To close out the EP, Barry’s Dead! finishes strong with two more standout tracks, “I See Your Face” and “Go Go.” Again, on both records he was able to showcase his remarkable production skills and breathtaking lyrical prowess alike.
All in all, while only boasting a runtime just under 20 minutes, A Comedian is Dead expresses a range of moods and emotions that make it feel like a complete project. Starting from a place of anger, resentment, and confusion, the darkness of the EP is contrasted by pockets of infectiously soulful components ultimately resulting in an inspirational project overall.
Standout tracks include “If U Evr Need Sumthin,” “Down and Out,” “I See Your Face,” and “Go Go” although listening to the album straight through is the best option.
Listen to A Comedian is Dead and watch the new “Love You Less” music video right here. Also, be sure to follow Barry’s Dead! on Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with his latest moves.