Bktherula expands her consciousness on LVL 5 P2

thefader.com:

To hear Bktherula tell it, “LVL 5” refers to planes of consciousness: we all start at Level 3 (because we’re three-dimensional beings), then ascend to Level 4 (akin to breaking out of the Matrix) and then Level 5, where an individual overcomes their ego to have compassion for their fellow man, whatever level they’re on.

There are levels beyond this, but this fifth dimension beyond the astral realm is where the 21-year-old artist resides. That all may sound a little silly, but on last year’s intense LVL 5 P1, these high-minded philosophical conceits came through in Bk’s starkly emotional songwriting about relationships, even if those softer songs were interspersed with some of the surliest industrial knockers in recent memory.

Out today, Bktherula’s latest album LVL 5 P2 finds the Atlanta rapper folding more mainstream sounds into her repertoire. At its best, the synthesis of P2 yields superfun songs that could climb into your most played overnight; at its worst, you’re still listening to one of the most versatile rappers in her cohort, albeit making less interesting songs.

Clocking in at a svelte 30 minutes, LVL 5 P2 functions best not as a sequel, but as a companion to its predecessor — which makes sense when you remember that P2 stands not for “Part 2” but “Player 2.” Read Next: Bktherula announces new project LVL 5 P2 with song/video “Crayon”.