10/11/2025
Liner notes - Book of Elysses: Vol. I, Chapter VII
BOOK OF ELYSSES
Nothing that Coco Elysses has done as a musician, poet, actress, beatmaker, or creative remotely hints at stillness.
To be certain throughout her amazing career every beat moves, every bar speaks.
This latest affirmation BOOK OF ELYSSES serves multiple purposes.
It’s a salute to Chicago’s iconic beat makers.
It’s House — earthy, hypnotic, mad danceable.
It’s a lesson in poetic discourse with Coco speaking to and from a spiritual authority. It’s undeniably sexy and sonically it is true to its own words and like its creator honest and sincere.
The Diddley Bow is the other voice —
moaning, bending, teaching. Serving as the underlying theme much like The Bomb Squad set the tone for Public Enemy, the Diddley Bow is the playful antagonist urging you to not be afraid.
Rhythm, reflection, release.
There is no other high.
Fast, funky, and alive —
Book of Elysses keeps the party, the prayer, and the pulse in motion. A body of work that honors where it comes from and most importantly, where it’s going next.
Mario Smith
WLPN-LP Radio Personality,
Producer, Poet, Writer
