Shape Shifters

Invincible

Emergence Media

Rating: 3.5/4

The long-awaited debut solo effort from Michigan native Invincible is like a sock to the head for anyone still sleeping on this lyrically gifted emcee. As one fifth of the all-girl hip-hop group ANOMOLIES, and a major asset to PPP’s first album, Triple P, Invincible finally steps into the spotlight with Shape Shifters. To call this “conscious hip-hop” would be a grave misnomer—she’s a culturally aware, internationally minded, societal watchdog, with a library of beats so dense you almost wonder what bangers didn’t even make the cut. Invincible keeps her production in the Michigan family with fiery magma flames from production team the Labtechs, and Detroit sensations Waajeed, House Shoes and Black Milk. Black shows his range with dirty strings and a tough snare on perhaps the hardest joint on the album: “Recognize.” Featured on this track is Finale, a Detroit MC who only makes Invincible stronger and vice versa. The duo complement each other in earnest. Also appearing on Shape Shifters are ANOMOLIES, Tiombe Lockhart and Buff 1, among others. In all, this album and Invincible are perfectly suited for any head checking on Detroit or a solid boom bap to snap their neck to.