Aloe Park by Approach: A Hidden Gem from 2010 That Still Slaps
Alright, let’s talk about Aloe Park by Approach. This album came out in 2010 on Datura Records, and it’s one of those projects that doesn’t scream for attention but still grabs you by the collar when you least expect it. With its mix of Hip Hop, RnB/Swing vibes, and some smooth production finesse, it’s kinda like a time capsule of chill beats and clever bars. And yeah, it’s got enough features to make your head spin—Black Spade, Dessa, Tajai, Miles Bonny, and more pop up throughout the tracklist.
First off, kudos to Ill Poetic for producing this thing. It’s polished but not overdone, with Opus Grey (aka J. Mantooth) handling mixing and mastering duties. You can tell they didn’t just throw this together; there’s thought behind every beat and rhyme. Royce Diamond and Tyler Anderson helped record it too, so props to them for keeping everything tight.
Now, onto the tracks. There are 20 songs here, which is a lot, but don’t let that scare you off. Two tracks really stuck with me: “In All” and “Ivory Julian.” Let me break it down.
“In All” hits different right away. The original version has Black Spade, Smoov Confusion, and Dessa trading verses over this laid-back groove that feels like cruising through the city at sunset. Everyone brings their A-game, but Dessa’s verse? She slides in with these razor-sharp lines that cut deep without even trying. Then there’s the remix later in the album, where Approach strips things back and lets his flow do the talking. It shows how versatile he is—same beat, totally different vibe. Honestly, I couldn’t decide which version I liked better, so I just kept both on repeat.
Then there’s “Ivory Julian,” featuring Miles Bonny. This joint straight-up oozes soul. Miles’ vocals float perfectly over the jazzy instrumental, while Approach drops wisdom about life and love in a way that feels real—not corny or forced. When the horns kick in halfway through, it’s like BAM, instant mood booster. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why I fell in love with hip-hop in the first place. Plus, the bonus version without Miles gives you a chance to focus on Approach’s storytelling skills, which are sharp as hell.
The rest of the album? Solid all around. Tracks like “Where U From?” (with Royce Diamond and Tajai) and “Mutombo” keep the energy high, while cuts like “Tired” and “Life Aquatic” bring the introspection. Even skits like “How Are U?” add personality to the project instead of feeling like filler.
Here’s the thing about Aleo Park: it doesn’t try too hard to impress you. It’s confident in what it is—an exploration of sound, style, and collaboration. Approach clearly put his heart into this, and it shows. Is it perfect? Nah, nothing ever is. But it’s honest, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Final thought: Listening to this album felt like finding an old mixtape in the glove compartment of your car. You know, the kind that makes you go, “Damn, I forgot how good this was!” So if you’re looking for something low-key but impactful, give Aloe Park a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up hooked.
