Local Review: Soul Commercial—UnDeR tHe iNfLuEnCe

Soul Commercial
UnDeR tHe iNfLuEnCe
Self-Released
Street: 09.05.2025
Soul Commercial = JPEGMAFIA + BROCKHAMPTON

I would like to preface this review by saying that I personally am a fan of the mid 2020s era of rap we’re currently in. Rappers like Ken Carson have paved the way for rappers like OsamaSon and Nine Vicious to grow a following. While I enjoy these specific artists and this specific subgenre, I don’t particularly care for more alternative rap (with the exception of Paris Texas). Music similar to Denzel Curry’s and BROCKHAMPTON’s isn’t something I necessarily enjoy consuming.

This being said, I would describe Soul Commercial’s album as more closely related to our friends who make alternative rap music. I would describe this album as attempting to fit into the current era of rap, while mostly centering melodies that are reminiscent of late 2010s alternative rap. 

Although this album isn’t something I’d usually like, I still think it’s an alright album. It’s entertaining in the sense that each song is quite different. The versatility present throughout the album showcases the artist’s breadth of ability.

The first three songs on the album are compelling and attention-grabbing. I initially thought I might’ve stumbled across an underground masterpiece: “sTuCk,” “mElOdY” and “mY nAmE” were promising. “sTuCk” is a strong way to start the album: an upbeat, more fast-paced track while trickling into slower-paced, chorus-filled segments. Intentionally following this with “mElOdY” and “mY nAmE” flowed well. Each of these is the perfect balance of a fast-but-relaxed pace. Another song I like is “right now.” It’s a bit slower paced. Songs I’m not partial toward are “bAcK,” “pLaCeS,” “sOuNdZ” and “PrAiSe GoD.” 

“bAcK” seemed to lack direction and purpose; at least, I struggled to hear or find it. “pLaCeS” sounded more like a freestyle than another track that could have tied into the album’s overarching theme or message. I found this placement to be confusing. But maybe that was intentional, given the name “pLaCeS.” It’s ironic to be questioning a song’s place in an album seen as it’s titled “pLaCeS,” right?

“sOuNdZ” really was just sounds. Similar to “bAcK,” it seemed to lack direction and purpose. It felt like it was intended to just elongate the album, serving as a filler and adding little to no depth to the album generally. But the beat is nice.

The track “PrAiSe GoD” contained some interesting vocals that the rest of the album didn’t contain. It sounds like a sort of shrieking, mild scream while the artist communicates the chorus: “Some days I praise God / Brother be free / I’m walking this mystery.” 

After listening to this album, I was feeling the need to reconnect with LUCKI and Ken Carson, returning to my forever favorite subgenre.

Overall, UnDeR tHe iNfLuEnCe is a fun album; it’s unique and interesting. Maybe it isn’t my usual, but I’d consider hearing more from Soul Commercial and listening to how their flow develops with time. For all the alternative rap listeners and lovers, this is a niche pull to definitely add to your rotation. –Kyra Cortez

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