Open Mike Eagle, the 45-year-old Chicago-born MC, producer, and comedian, has long been a fixture of the underground hip-hop scene. Known for his tenure with the Project Blowed collective and a discography that spans from 2010’s Unapologetic Art Rap to the critically acclaimed Dark Comedy, Eagle has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre. His latest project, Doomed!: Rap Songs About a Relationship That Ends in Every Possible Universe, marks his official debut for Backwoodz Studioz—distributed by Rhymesayers Entertainment—and serves as a testament to his creative synergy with producer Kenny Segal.

The album opens with “Out to Lunch,” a sophisticated jazz-rap track that sets a contemplative tone for the record. Throughout the project, Eagle navigates complex emotional landscapes with his signature consciously abstract lyricism. On “Streets of Rage: Public Arguments Edition,” featuring Gothic Tropic, the production utilizes vibraphones and crisp percussion to mirror the tension of the narrative. The track “Doomed!” further leans into this jazz-inflected aesthetic, offering a lyrical density that rewards attentive listening.

The guest features on the album are strategically placed, adding depth to the overarching theme of disconnection. Hemlock Ernst contributes to the soulful “Unfinished Concrete Initials,” while the standout track “She Swear I’m Colorblind” features a compelling appearance from billy woods. These collaborations highlight the album’s ability to blend diverse sonic textures with sharp, observational songwriting.

As the album progresses into its second half, tracks like “The Irredeemable Magic Man” and “The Many Hustles of My Lonely Time Traveling Uncle” showcase the versatility of Segal’s production, moving from bluesy licks to classic boom-bap sensibilities. The project concludes with “Watching a Movie Called Freedom By Myself,” a dreamy, introspective finale that cements the album’s status as a top-tier entry in Open Mike Eagle’s catalog.

By leveraging experimental production to paint a vivid impression of a world in decay, Eagle has crafted a profound statement on the nature of endings. With a score of 9/10, Doomed! stands as a remarkable achievement in modern independent hip-hop.