A collaboration between Seattle emcee Sadistik and CunninLynguists producer Kno should come as no surprise. The ii showed great chemistry on "Kill the Kings" off Sadistik's 2013 album Flowers for My Begetter and have continued to work together e'er since. As the human being who one time dubbed himself the "emo Premo," Kno certainly understands how to arts and crafts sounds for the dark imagery employed past an artist similar Sadistik. The Phantom Limbs EP marks their get-go attempt as a duo and does not disappoint.

Those familiar with Sadistik'due south career will be very familiar with the lyrical themes employed on Phantom Limbs . Like well-nigh of his by work, the writing on this EP is evocative. Sadistik paints vivid pictures with his words that bring listeners into his state of heed. Being emotional is sometimes used as a pejorative in Hip Hop, but information technology should not exist. Sadistik's lyrics tin be classified as such in that they are raw and intense. That emotion is an asset, particularly when paired with the rhyming skills of Sadistik. His first verse on "Daydreams" is a slap-up example of this:

"Nightmares and dreamscapes/ Sylvia invented that discussion, she's my dream date/ She'd exit me keepsakes/ And asked me if I'd go along her rubber, I found a style/ Now I'one thousand out of place, loftier without a trace/ I'chiliad in outer space, a downward screw land/ A sequoia in a flower vase/ Roots reaching like a mile abroad/ Either fashion, I don't wait/ Lie Awake, eyes are weights/ Visions of a smiling confront/ Imprinted on a prism with his dying traits/ I'll close my eyes I can fly today/ Then high I tin stay, away from everybody/ Abroad from all the mirrors, safety from any judgement/ They don't want me here, maybe heaven loves me/ The dark terrors brand me fantasize/ And lately information technology's the aforementioned thing."

What makes Phantom Limbs piece of work then well, perchance improve than any of Sadistik's past piece of work, is the production of Kno. Having one of the best producers in Hip Hop involved is plain a major asset to any projection. But more that, Kno has a knack for crafting beats that embrace Sadistik's melancholy sentiments yet illuminates them.

The EP's opener "The Darkness" kicks off with a vocal sample that would sound right in identify as a hymn at a Catholic mass. As the trounce builds and the drums kick in, the mood is set for Sadistik to embrace this special kind of darkness. Instead of creating a song that is zilch just gloom, the low-cal added to the record makes it something much more than unique.

What's most impressive about the dynamic between Sadistik and Kno is one never overshadows the other. There'southward no overbearing trounce that drowns out Sadistik's words or a point where Kno'due south beat comes across an afterthought. Withal, there are showcase moments for each creative person. The posse cut "Unaware" is a lyrical exhibition for the emcees involved as Chino Xl, Sheisty Khrist and Metasota bring together Sadisitik for some wordplay wizardry. On the other side, EP closer "In Heaven" is a highlight for Kno backside the boards with its pipage organs and deftly placed drum pattern. Still, the production behind "Unaware" is what guides information technology merely equally Sadistik's lyrics raise the instrumental on "In Sky."

Phantom Limbs is a fantastic addition to the respective discographies of Sadistik and Kno. Sadistik delivers quite possibly the best piece of work of his career while Kno continues to bear witness why he's one of Hip Hop'due south elite producers. The duo is in sync throughout the entire EP every bit they craft one of 2015'south most hitting releases.

Brand no fault, Phantom Limbs is music for your headphones. The EP format works to its favor as a x plus track LP may have been too heavy for long lasting entreatment and replay value. Instead, Sadistik and Kno follow the quondam GZA adage of "one-half short, twice strong." Phantom Limbs may clock in at less than xxx minutes, only it's only as potent as whatever full length album you volition hear this year.