Debut full-length project from NYC’s beloved Yaeji! After a handful of undeniable EPs, Soundcloud loosies and utterly sick videos, we’re pleased to finally get our grubby hands on a long playing record from Kathy Yaeji Lee. Born in NYC, raised in South Korea, educated in Pittsburgh and now based back in New York (she was a quiet regular at the Lab storefront for years before any of us clocked who she was), the young rapper / singer / DJ / producer is a self-described ‘sponge’ of influences, and it shows on What We Drew = 우리가 그려왔던. The album (mixtape?) wastes no time getting going with a colorful spread of dusty breaks, thick synth swells, grime bass stabs, chopped & screwed vocals and post-everything riddims underpinning her own voice, pivoting effortlessly between her inimitable swaggy bars (95% Korean) and ethereal crooning. Not content to sit still in her role as charismatic vocalist, What We Drew also serves as a showcase for Yaeji’s unique production, leaving plenty of room for homies Nappy Nina, YonYon, G.L.A.M. and more to shine. Needless to say, we stan. Check out “In Place,” “Never Settling Down,” “When I Grow Up,” “Free Interlude,” “The Th1ng” (co-produced by Shy One) and the title track. Limited edition blue colored vinyl pressing with printed inner, full album lyrics and obi strip, recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• full color printed inner sleeve w/ lyrics + obi strip
• music label: XL Recordings 2020

reviewed by departmental dan 07/2020