Self released rap is a simultaneously vast and niche genre. Songs range from trap beats and aggressive yells to dreamy “plugg” instrumentals with barely audible low effort vocals. The candid photo album covers and intentionally blown out production are abrasive to be sure, but they are also—importantly—raw.

“Ghetto Cupid,” by Jaydes is a shining example of this unfiltered creativity. The vocals are barely delivered—more of a low din than lyrics—the production is messy and blown out with heaps of recycled and repetitive samples, songs are often absent of structure with simple repeated lines and the theme of relationships and self-destructive partner chasing is as played out as it is elementary in its execution.

But something about the way “rose’s” driving, shoegaze pattern, guitar gives way to the dreamy production of “anemic” deeply infuses an addictive uniqueness into the project.

Each track has its own authentically textured quirks, like the air horns and spammed producer sample on “Horror” or the clunky beat switch in “<3.” These moments are more byproducts of Jaydes’ creativity than the statement pieces of the album, but still flesh the LP out into something fun and uniquely off kilter.

Albums like “Ghetto Cupid” are a specific kind of requisite experience for interested listeners, they are the only place where you can find this kind of unpolished creativity. Where else could you find a full Weezer song loosely chopped into a slow-core adjacent mumble rap track like “misery?” Or a shoegaze trap fusion like “Dracula?” 

There are a long list of other classic underground albums with the same self produced vibe. “Hunter” from Have A Nice Life’s Deathconsciousness is characterized by its poorly recorded crunchy drums, the entirety of Car Seat Headrest’s iconic “Twin Fantasy” sounds like it was recorded in a closet—which is probably because it was—and Alex G’s “East Coast” is accented by constant mic clipping in the vocal track. 

“Self-released music isn’t just something I appreciate because of how rough everything is, but also because the songs are usually more unique than other music, which generally have more controlled production.” Says Angus Anderson, a summit senior and certified music nerd.

Although many genres have self released staples, the umbrella of “SoundCloud” or self released rap is the most consistent producer of these rough gems. Jaydes is deeply entrenched in this world of artists, frequently collaborating with similar creators like Rick Owens, not the fashion designer. This experience shines through on his albums, as he masterfully sprinkles the unnatural hitches and textures through his songs to curate a perfectly abrasive sound.

Far from perfect, sometimes intentionally so, “Ghetto Cupid” is a shining example of creativity over polish. Albums like Harry Styles’ “Harry’s House” are certainly more listenable, maybe even technically better music and production wise, but sometimes that kind of homogenous Walmart soundtrack can become a little grating.

“ Poppy albums are fun and low effort to listen to,” said Gus “but when I want something with a little flare, something engaging, I go for the self released.”