Domo Genesis has always occupied an evocative lane of the Odd Future assemblage. Since their split and subsequent pursuit of solo work back in 2015, each member of the former collective has journeyed deeper into their experimental absorptions, morphing their artistry into something that hardly resembles their original work. However, Domo’s latest record Intros, Outros & Interludes is more of the same from the 31-year-old emcee, in the best way possible.

Clocking in at 11 tracks spanning 25 minutes, the concision and precise identity lyrically, sonically and aesthetically of Intros, Outros & Interludes is what propel this to be Domo’s most outstanding individual work to date.

Executively produced by Evidence, a sapling stemming from The Alchemist’s tree of influence, the record is a product of contemporary alternative hip-hop: soul vocal loops, antique drums, stumbling horns, pianos and other instrumentation splattered and dragged through the dusty, brilliant producer’s mind of Evidence. The direction behind-the-boards pairs smoothly with Domo’s delivery, which retains its intrigue via his unique intonation.

As the record static cuts in on the opener “Don’t Believe Half” and the accompanying horn loop joins, Domo’s pen and delivery makes it blatantly obvious that he’s been working on perfecting his craft during his nearly five year absence from music. “I'm probably out the way, but I’m exactly where to be at/the energy where we at/and the home where my feet at/the road is what I drive on, the chrome where the seat at” shows Domo’s retention of his witty pen from his Odd Future days. Mixed with his especially nasally inflection on this track and across the record, Intros, Outros & Interludes properly displays Domo’s full potential as a solo rap artist.

The ever promising Navy Blue joins Domo on track two, “Skeletons,” with a beat tailor-made for Navy’s obscure braggadocio and clever word play. Remy Banks, Griselda’s-own Boldy James and Evidence join Domo as featured artists, all with exceptional verses in their own right. Beside Intros, Outros & Interludes representing Domo’s most complete and remarkable body of writing, this record is easily his most distinguished sonically.

Every beat on Intros, Outros & Interludes emits its own exclusive aura, affording Domo a diverse palette of experimental flavors to work with on this project. The heading nodding vocal chop on “Trust the Process” is simply filthy. A clever soul sample paired with a skilled emcee has rarely failed, and “Stay One More Day” and “Running, Running” are no exception to that trend. The luxurious piano and grimy drums on “Victories & Losses” provide a lush backdrop for Domo and Evidence to trade bars. Boldy and Domo’s relaxed deliveries pair well with the lo fi production on “December Coming.” All-in-all, Intros, Outros & Interludes is in the conversation of being the best produced hip-hop record of the year.

With next to zero skips, drastic improvements lyrically, artistically and directionally from Domo Genesis, Intros, Outros & Interludes is a premier release in hip-hop during 2022. A glorious return to form, Domo has proven here that he is definitively back and here to stay.

Luke Modugno is the editor-in-chief.

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