Thousand Islands Of Death by Ben Boogz & Doc Reevez – A Raw, Unfiltered Ride Through Hip-Hop
Yo, let me tell ya about Thousand Islands Of Death. This 2018 joint from Ben Boogz and Doc Reevez ain’t your typical rap album. It’s gritty, layered, and kinda feels like you’re flipping through someone’s messed-up diary. Released under Phoenix Renaissance Records, it's got that underground vibe with some serious DIY energy. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
First off, the production is tight—no surprise since Ben Boogz handled most of it himself. The beats are heavy but not overdone, leaving room for Doc Reevez to spit his raw thoughts without drowning in noise. Speaking of which, Doc wears so many hats on this project (writing, recording, mixing, editing), he might as well get a cape. Hats off to Tomer Mor too, who killed the artwork and layout—it’s simple yet haunting, just like the music inside.
Now, onto the tracks. There’s a lot here—seriously, 25 songs—but two stood out to me: “Taking Off” and “Trippin’ (feat. Likwuid).”
“Taking Off” hits different. Like, right away, the beat grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s one of those tracks where the bassline feels alive, pulsing through your headphones like it’s got its own heartbeat. Doc’s flow switches up halfway through, going from laid-back storytelling to straight fire, and it’s impossible not to nod along. I kept replaying this one because it just lands. You can feel the grind, the hustle, the struggle—all wrapped up in three minutes of pure heat.
Then there’s “Trippin’,” featuring Likwuid. Man, this track is wild. It starts off all trippy and disorienting, like you’re walking through fog or something. Likwuid adds this eerie layer to the verses, and when Doc jumps in, their styles mesh perfectly. The whole thing feels like a fever dream, but in the best way possible. By the time the hook kicks in, you’re already hooked. This one stayed stuck in my head for days.
Other standouts include “Vicious,” which lives up to its name with razor-sharp bars, and “The Light,” a surprisingly introspective cut that slows things down a bit. But really, every track brings something unique to the table. Even skits like “T.I.O.D. Intro” add flavor, giving the album a cohesive feel despite its length.
What’s cool about Thousand Islands Of Death is how unpolished it feels. These guys didn’t try to make a radio-friendly banger—they made art. Sure, it could’ve used a little trimming (25 tracks is A LOT), but that’s part of its charm. It’s messy, real, and full of personality.
At the end of the day, this album reminds me why I fell in love with hip-hop in the first place. No gimmicks, no shiny suits—just two dudes pouring their souls into their craft. Oh, and fun fact: Did you notice they spelled "Vicious" two ways? Once as "Vicious" and once as "Viscious." Maybe it was intentional, maybe it wasn’t—but either way, it kinda fits the chaotic brilliance of the whole project.
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that keeps it real while taking you on a wild ride, check out Thousand Islands Of Death. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself zoning out during “Cyanide Thoughts” or randomly quoting lines from “Hands.” Trust me, it happens.
