Mac Miller is an unlikely conduit for some of 2015’s most interesting rap. Earl Sweatshirt counts him among his earliest believers, while Vince Staples first appeared on people’s radars when he began making tracks with the 23-year-old rapper, who had his own MTV reality show at the time. But unlike Sweatshirt’s agoraphobic, introverted latest album, or Staples’ tense, gloomy debut, GO:OD AM sounds like the work of a rapper who’s pleased to be here. Opening track Doors is produced by another one of Miller’s running mates, Tyler the Creator, and slowly opens the front door to Miller’s jaunty, jolly and joyous world. Songs about materialism (Brand Name), dreaming of the big time (Two Matches) and millennial self-obsession (Rush Hour) follow, drenched in soul samples, smooth horns and neo-soul basslines. It’s musically adventurous in a way that recalls Chance the Rapper’s Surf project, but takes fewer detours into psych and jazz. GO:OD AM proves that Miller is not just a guy on the sidelines: he’s more than capable of stepping on to the field.
