Sincerely Slick: Count Slick’s Genre-Bending Hustle in Hip Hop
If you’re into hip-hop that feels like late-night conversations with your soul, Sincerely Slick by Count Slick might just be the album to hit replay on. Released back in 2018 under D.i.G label, this project floats across USA, Canada, and Europe, carrying a vibe that’s raw yet smooth—like sipping coffee while it rains outside. And let me tell ya, Desmon Farris deserves props for arranging some of these tracks (shoutout to “Mourning (Intro)” and “Slow It Down”). Dude knows how to set the mood.
Now, lemme break it down real quick. This ain’t one of those albums where every track blends together into sonic mush. Nah, Count Slick keeps things fresh. There are bangers, introspective joints, and even remixes sprinkled throughout. But if I had to pick two tracks that stuck with me? Easy call: “Doves” and “Primitive Verses, Vol. 1.”
First up, “Doves.” Man, this song is hauntingly beautiful. The beat hits soft but heavy at the same time—you know what I mean? Like when someone says something deep, and you feel it in your chest. Joseph Noah adds this layer of emotion that makes the whole thing feel cinematic. It’s not flashy or trying too hard; it just works. Every time I hear it, I picture driving through empty streets at night, thinking about life choices. You ever get those moments? Yeah, exactly.
Then there’s “Primitive Verses, Vol. 1,” which slaps harder than your favorite teacher’s ruler back in school. The original version is dope enough, but the remix with Joseph Noah and Caydrik takes it to another level. It’s got this gritty energy, like Count Slick is spitting rhymes straight from his diary. The lyrics hit different because they sound personal, almost like he’s letting us peek behind the curtain of his mind. Plus, the production has this hypnotic loop that’ll have you nodding your head whether you want to or not.
What’s wild about Sincerely Slick is how it doesn’t try to box itself into one style. Tracks like “Hvn To Hll” bring the heat, while others like “Erasing Myself” slow things down and make you think. Even the features—VSH on “Slow It Down,” Pilot on “King”—add their own flavor without stealing the spotlight. It’s clear Count Slick respects collaboration but stays true to his vision.
So yeah, Sincerely Slick isn’t perfect, but maybe that’s why it works so well. It’s human. It’s honest. It’s messy in all the right ways. Listening to it feels less like consuming music and more like eavesdropping on an artist figuring stuff out as he goes along.
And hey, here’s a random thought to leave you with: If Count Slick decided to drop a follow-up album tomorrow, I’d bet my last cup of coffee he’d still find new ways to surprise us. That dude’s slick alright—but sincerely so.