Lil Supa’ – ANIMAL (Album Stream)

It has been a relatively short period since I found out about the rapper called Lil Supa’, dating back to 2020 when I discovered artists like Danase, La Base, and a few others that had ties with the Comin Tru fam. Also known as Lou Fresco and Marc Ginale, the Venezuelan MC instantly caught my attention with his distinctive vocals, memorable flows, and imposing personas, swiftly switching between those three alter egos of different styles. With all the releases dropped since then, whether as Lou, Supa, or Marc, his music constantly kept filling my hip-hop playlists, and after announcing the new project with the single “VENENO”, I couldn’t hold my excitement to see what new he could bring to the table.

Bouncing between the mentioned characters, the Caracas-born artist goes through many different topics, whether they are ways to raise certain awareness or just to flow with unfiltered, militant imagery of his surroundings. That more violent side came with the Marc Ginale persona, and interestingly enough, with the “ANIMAL” album, Lil Supa somewhat continued walking the same path as an add-on to all the previously said things. I wouldn’t call it a filler album, but it definitely gives off a feeling of attaching itself to Marc’s “YEYO” album from 2023, which automatically suggests that he lost a wee bit of means to provide something more ‘original’ in terms of his artistic expression. However, if you put aside that minor fact, this album is an enjoyable project all around which showcases Supa‘s fantastic lyrical skills and delivery, especially if you’re down with Spanish-spoken hip-hop.

The album starts easy with a Tru Comers-produced track “BESTIAL” which gives a small hint of the sound that will be present on the album. It’s followed by “INSTINTO”, one of the definite standouts with its instrumental atmosphere of a Middle Eastern nature, additionally supported by the impeccable vocals of Elena Rose. This track, marveously produced by Sabiobeats, I consider one of my three favorite tracks on the album, along with “VENENO” and “JUNGLE” that, to my surprise, features the Queensbridge legend Big Noyd. Apart from the first two tracks, most of the album has mid to slower beats led by mystic, gloomy, and somewhat eerie melodies and effects, that way giving off a really specific atmosphere to the whole project that goes hand in hand with Supa‘s laid-back style and a slightly raspy vocal. Another track I need to mention is “CELO” due to its marvelous noir touch on the sample, painting that 1940s black & white picture of a NY detective roaming the hoods where hip-hop took over.

Now, the thing with this album, even though I enjoyed going through it several times, I cannot escape the feeling it’s not fully finished. It’s like it’s missing a track or two to somehow make a full circle, and even polish a few pieces a bit more in the post-production process. All of the featured tracks have their own charm and level of energy, but on occasion, I feel like there’s something missing. But, no matter that, Lil Supa’ lived up to his reputation and once again proved that Venezuela shines bright on the map of hip-hop.

TRACKLIST:
01 • BESTIAL [prod. Tru Comers]
02 • INSTINTO feat. Elena Rose [prod. Sabiobeats]
03 • OLFATO [prod. Eddy Mugre]
04 • PODER feat. Feid [prod. Tru Comers]
05 • AVE [prod. Oldtape]
06 • LINCE [prod. Doktor Rheal]
07 • REQUIN feat. Benjamin Epps [prod. Tru Comers]
08 • MADZILLA [zkit] [prod. Dj Mad Pee]
09 • VENENO [prod. MPadrums]
10 • JUNGLE feat. Big Noyd [prod. DJ Skizz]
11 • ALIEN pt.1 [prod. Sabiobeats]
12 • CELO [intercourse] [prod. Rod Roche]
13 • CROCO feat. Dano [prod. Oldtape]
14 • MANADA [prod. Castellanos]
15 • COKODRILO [bonus track] [prod. Cookin Soul; Dj Mad Pee]