motel void

Although hip hop isn’t usually the genre I focus on, I always enjoy being surprised by what it has to offer and the directions it continues to take. That’s why I was pleased by the new release from iNL83, which straddles multiple genres.

The new record from iNL83 delivers eleven tracks, with two of them functioning more as detours – the brief opener Jansen Message and Jansen Check In.

While I could easily name hundreds of indie bands that have shaped my listening, in hip hop I’ve only really been influenced by a handful of names. That’s why right from 83 Mind State I immediately thought of my favorite experimental rapper, Serengeti. Like him, iNL83 has a grounded, understated style that avoids arrogance and instead feels raw, unforced, and very human – something I genuinely appreciate. The instrumental backdrop leans toward chilled textures, but then This Hop quickly shifts gears into something much grittier, with an almost industrial edge that reminds me of films like Blade Runner. It’s slightly unsettling, yet works perfectly with the sharp, relentless flow. The energy intensifies further on Whip It, a track bursting with raw momentum. That same drive carries into Ad Rock, where a guest vocal adds an extra spark and keeps the setlist fresh. With its pounding industrial beat, this track feels tailor-made for maximum performance – I could easily imagine it blasting in a gym, even though I don’t usually step foot in one.

After the short interlude #Miamitho, the album shifts into one of its catchiest moments with Rad Racer. Here, bright synths and a vaporwave-tinged atmosphere build into a melody and chorus that refuse to leave your head. The song’s cinematic synth-pop textures give it a widescreen quality, making it one of the most accessible highlights of the record.

The closing stretch is especially strong. Cut Scenes recalls early Kendrick Lamar with its sharp storytelling flow, while Favorite Things plays with playful synth-pop sounds that push the album into more experimental territory. The repeated line “These are my favorite things” lingered in my mind long after the track ended, a sign of its hooky yet off-kilter charm. Finally, Infinity closes the record with a cinematic flourish – the most epic and neon-lit track here, evoking the mood of films like Drive. It feels both expansive and conclusive, a perfect closer for an album that thrives on atmosphere as much as flow.

In the end, iNL83 has crafted a record that doesn’t rely on clichés or overpolished tropes, but instead builds its identity through mood, texture, and a refreshing sense of experimentation.

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