Toronto, Ontario, Canada emcee and producer Raz Fresco has returned with his 18th studio LP, Y = Self. Having established himself as a formidable force in the underground scene over the past decade, Fresco continues to showcase his dexterity as both a lyricist and a beatmaker. Following a prolific run that includes collaborations with Futurewave, Nicholas Craven, Estee Nack, Cookin’ Soul, Daniel Son, and DJ Muggs, this latest project arrives just 15 months after Stadium Lo Champions.

The album opens with the rugged, mellow tones of “It Don’t Stop,” setting a reflective tone that carries through the project. Tracks like “Borders” utilize a drumless aesthetic to explore themes of generational madness, while “The Living Light” leans into a warm, boom-bap soundscape. Throughout the project, Fresco balances technical prowess with soulful introspection, particularly on tracks like “Can’t Let Go,” which examines the psychological toll of street life.

The middle section of the album, anchored by “The Blind,” “What’s Really Real?,” and “The Deaf,” serves as a thematic trilogy that questions the nature of authenticity and the cycle of generational trauma. The project features a sole guest appearance from The 6th Letter on “Memoires,” adding a layer of collaborative depth to the record. Fresco’s production remains a highlight, with “PlzTllMe” standing out as a masterclass in sample flipping.

Closing with the soulful “Euphoria’s Formula,” Y = Self serves as a testament to Fresco’s evolution. Over 15 years since his early appearances on tracks like Ace Hashimoto’s “Super Smash Bros.,” he remains one of the most respected voices in the underground. With a score of 8/10, this album is a definitive statement of his artistic maturity.