Special Delivery from Your Cousin, Alex: Album review by Jasmine
"I recorded the entire project at home. Most of my ideas for this project came to me just doing my day-to-day routine. I wanted to show the people that the mundane can be made extraordinary if you're observant enough."
Alex Otero, also known as music artist Your Cousin, Alex, was introduced to the Fusion Fam in January 2021. The homey rapper had just released his newest project at the time, 'Snow on the Buffs,' and gave us a sense of who he is as a music artist in our Meet The Creator Interview Series: Meet Your Cousin, Alex. Since then, Alex has not ceased with his creative content. The rapper continues to add to his discography by dropping an EP, singles, and dope visuals to keep his listeners entertained. As of late, the newest release from everyone's favorite cousin is his project, ‘Special Interest,’ released on 2/22/2022. 'Special Interest' highlights Alex Michigan's flow, savvy producing skills, and smooth lyricism.
The project is an enjoyable yet short listen consisting of 9 songs and 22 minutes. The length of the project wasn't intentional, but the date and minutes so happen to align. 'Special Interest' opens with a two-man dialogue discussing a car sale transitioning into the intro track "Special Order." Alex immediately comes onto the track spitting his big boy rhymes with Luther Vandross's vocals sampled in the background. I love a good sample! Alex never ceases to amaze me with the samples and skits he chooses to use. Both give a good feel for his taste in music and personality, classic.
"Michigan artists have a style that’s hard to replicate, and easy to love. The producers as well. It’s something in the water."
"Pure Michigan" comes in as track #3 and is the rapper's favorite track on the project. The song is over an old-school groovy beat accompanied by more Luther vocals giving that "feel good" sound. Alex produced the song himself and claims it as one of his favorite beats he's rapped over. Grand Rapids, MI, is the artist's hometown, and he successfully delivers the Michigan music flow that can't be copied and pasted. Singles "Curlfriend" (track 4) and "Noir" (track 6) were both previously released and the only two songs with visuals. Alex shows his love for melanin queens in "Curlfriends;" but gets more spiritual in "Noir," speaking on his relationship with God and the detriments of the world. The project ends with an outro titled track, "Special Interest," being my personal favorite. I love the song simply because of the production and Alex's lyricism. Michigan music and rappers have been buzzing in the hip-hop world lately, and I've noticed that Michigan rappers spit with a certain confidence. I love when rappers have that calm vibe with assertive lyrics.
Hook
[Baby choose up, I can show you what this life brings.]
I believe Your Cousin, Alex did his thing with this project. You can see his progression from our first interview in 2021, being that it is now a year later. It's nice to witness the growth in himself and see the talent that Michigan has to offer. I feel that year 2022 is the year to expect the unexpected. Michigan has a lot of rappers on the verge to blow this year, and the state has been receiving more recognition in the music scene. Alex hones the Michigan flow and style while also carrying that hint of Florida on him. With both combined, I am excited to see what's next! Show love to Your Cousin, Alex's 'Special Interest' on all streaming platforms, and keep up with the artist on Instagram @yourcousinalex.