Detroit, Michigan emcee ZelooperZ has officially expanded his discography with the release of his second extended play, Pin Breakers. As a prominent member of the Bruiser Brigade collective and one-half of the duo ZGTO, the artist has spent the last 15 years cultivating a distinct solo catalog that includes a dozen LPs, various mixtapes, and EPs. This latest project serves as a bridge to his past, featuring 11 tracks recorded in 2019 alongside frequent collaborator Black Noi$e.

The EP opens with “Listen,” a 90-second introduction that sets a confident tone, followed by the psychedelic trap-infused “Pain T Wayne.” Throughout the project, ZelooperZ showcases his versatility, moving from the jazz-inflected boom-bap of “Beautician” to the raw, freestyle energy of “Mason’s Dispatch.” While tracks like “The Music” feel somewhat underdeveloped, the project finds its stride with “Nostradamus,” a standout collaboration with Danny Brown that captures the gritty, experimental essence of their earlier work together.

The latter half of Pin Breakers offers a more introspective look at the artist’s journey. Songs like “My Momma” and “River Rogue” highlight his lyrical depth, while “Baby Bruisin’” and “Sailing Seas” provide a candid look at his past struggles and studio life. The project concludes with “Aha Aha,” a soulful reflection on his upbringing in Detroit.

Given that these tracks were recorded during the same era as the critically acclaimed Dyn-o-mite, it is clear that Pin Breakers serves as a companion piece to that period. Despite some minor inconsistencies, the synergy between ZelooperZ’ abstract lyrical style and Black Noi$e’s experimental production remains a compelling listen for long-time fans.

Score: 8/10