MIKE’s Showbiz! is an album that floats between the surreal and the deeply personal, an extension of his signature hazy production and introspective lyricism. Across 24 tracks, the New York rapper stitches together fragmented snapshots of his life, blending soulful samples, jazz-inflected beats, and his signature woozy flow into an untouchable and intimate project. While it doesn’t necessarily reinvent his formula, Showbiz! solidifies MIKE’s place as one of the most distinctive voices in underground hip-hop.

Much like its predecessor, Burning Desire, this album leans heavily into MIKE’s signature style—muffled drums, warm vinyl crackle, and vocal loops that feel like distant echoes of memories. His production, often released under the alias dj blackpower, remains his strongest asset. Tracks like “Lucky” and “Then we could be free..” showcase his ear for soul and jazz-infused textures, with hypnotic loops that keep the listener swaying even as MIKE’s raps take their time settling in. “Lucky,” in particular, stands out with its airy, dreamlike sample and a closing refrain that lingers in the mind.

MIKE’s flow remains unconventional, almost conversational. He stretches out syllables, slurring words over beats that often feel like they’re dragging behind him, creating an intoxicating effect. At times, it feels like he’s on the verge of slipping off-rhythm, only to pull everything back together. This loose, freeform delivery pairs well with his reflective lyrics, which oscillate between confidence and vulnerability. On “Pieces of a Dream,” he nonchalantly raps, “Nah, I ain’t sober yet,” the words rolling off his tongue as if spoken in a late-night haze. On “Man in the Mirror,” he mutters about self-perception and personal demons, his voice barely rising above the beat, speaking to himself rather than an audience.

One of MIKE’s greatest strengths is his ability to create mood through texture, and Showbiz! thrives on its immersive soundscapes. The album’s production leans into jazz rap, with intricate sample work from nostalgic sources. “#82” weaves in an unexpected element of a Japanese man talking as the sample, adding to the album’s global collage of influences. Yet, despite its ethereal atmosphere, the album remains grounded in real-life struggles—loss, addiction, and the highs and lows of being an artist navigating success.

That said, the album’s length and occasionally repetitive nature might test some listeners. At just under 50 minutes, Showbiz! packs in 24 tracks, some of which feel more like interludes or sketches rather than fully fleshed-out songs. Moments like “The Weight (2k20)” and “Clown of the Class (Work Harder)” drift into the background, and while they contribute to the album’s hypnotic atmosphere, they lack the punch of standout moments like “Lost Scribe” or “Watered Down.” Showbiz! as an album is full of life and texture, mainly through the production and poetic lyrics exploring topics of a young, blooming artist bouncing between tours. It’s a rewarding album to engage with and I’m excited for more work from MIKE.

order Showbiz! by MIKE HERE