EP2!

by JPEGMAFIA

Released February 12, 2021 via Republic Records

Reviewed February 23, 2021

Top tracks (based on community voting)

FIX URSELF! (68%), PANIC ROOM! (68%), LAST DANCE! (67%)

JPEGMAFIA’s second EP in the past six months sees him continuing to develop a more melodically driven sound. While still managing to retain an element of abrasiveness, EP2! primarily revolves around synths that feel significantly more peaceful and atmospheric in contrast to his more aggressive, hard-hitting beats. And despite opting for a more melodic and autotune-heavy delivery, Peggy remains as bold as ever, relishing in his own success and taking aim at anyone he feels deserving. – Dominick (7.7/10)

On the follow up to last year’s EP!, experimental hip-hop extraordinaire JPEGMAFIA is back with seven new cloudy, ethereal bangers. On their own, these tracks may not seem like all that, but as a body of work, they set up such a chilling, almost melancholy atmosphere that truly embodies this era of Peggy’s artistry. Lyrically, it may not be quite as compelling as much of his other work, but he still manages to throw out some fantastic one-liners here and there. “PANIC ROOM!” is far and away the project’s high point, with its grimy baseline, unbelievable flows, fun yet aggressive lyrics, and a mystical-sounding acoustic guitar to finish it off. All in all, this EP definitely leaves the listener’s mouth watering for more, but it should hold fans over as we await his next move, whatever that may be. – Hadley (7.5/10)

As JPEGMAFIA listeners, we’re accustomed to the unorthodox, unpredictable, and inconsolable nature of his songs. Even as 2019’s All My Heroes are Cornballs shaped into a more refined, melodic exhibition of his songwriting, as a producer we still found him tinkering with every possible moving piece of some songs. The EP! series (particularly its second installment), has considerably diverged from Peggy’s manic mannerisms as both a performer and self-producer. Showcasing a more cool, calm, and calculated side of himself, JPEG has delivered his most consistent and monochromatic run of tracks to date. In exchange for the more impressive and dynamic feats of his studio albums, EP2! offers something better suited for the AUX cord. – DeVán (7/10)

Normally, the EP medium refrains from being a core contributor to one’s discography, thus rarely has strong highlights that would seriously expand one’s sonic repertoire. Peggy seems to take this a little too far with EP2!, though its simplicity doesn’t mean it’s inherently flawed. It’s just simpler compared to the more abstract beats on his LPs. With this project, instrumentals are simultaneously sugary yet gloomy, best represented by the horns that lace the foregrounds of tracks like “LAST DANCE!” and “FIX URSELF!” These are the only new additions that EP2! brings to the JPEGMAFIA table. While they uphold a certain grandiosity to the first leg, and while the second half is great too, EP2! is a little bare overall. If you’ve never tried abstract hip-hop before, maybe give this a taste before diving into Peggy’s better work. – Cam (6.8/10)

Daniel: 8/10 | Alan: 7.8/10 | Dominick: 7.7/10 | Hadley: 7.5/10 | DeVán: 7.3/10