06/04/2026
Bearers of the Sky by Sabio Dub and Rio Azul
A record that sounds like it should be a full-on mythological concept album. The title promises something huge! Gods. Fate. Weight. Narrative.
What you get is that and a comprehensive yet atmospheric ambience, thought not without subverting expectations. Reminiscent of ‘90s late-night infomercials and what they’re selling you is a million dollars worth of game for free.99. Not to say there’s anything cheap about this, but accessibility is the name of the game.
The production is the highlight. It’s dusty, spacious, and cohesive. In the tradition of soul chops and early 2000s R&B type beats. Everything feels like it exists in the same underwater, ancient world (Atlantis?).
Yet still, clarity comes through in the mix. The vocals tread comfortably above the shore. The exchange between the emcees is effortless and charming. There’s no boasting or entitlement, though they have earned bragging rights nonetheless.
Highlights on this project include the dark and sinister “Atlas” featuring Miskeen Haleem, giving a real dark story rap flow that’s evokes goth kid on Halloween. And the feature Haleem brings the energy real evil on his verse. Alternative but not just for the sake of being different.
This album is unpretentious and invites epic storytelling without foregoing realism.
It’s not the full tale, it’s just fragments of what else is left to come. Catch it late enough, in the right headspace, and it feels like you found something they were trying to hide from you.
Verdict- late night smoking w**d and watching MTV in 1996
Written by Adam Stone ()
Edited by David Milkis ()
Production -
Featured Producer - .is.music
Featured Emcees - .rarely_seen and
Mixing and Mastering - .is.music
Art concept -
Publishing by .entertainment
