This summer has given us some memorable musical moments so far. It’s also given us some surprising jams. That’s especially true for Black Milk, who announced his eighth studio album Everybody Good? back in May and released the set in full on July 18th. The project is full of musical gems, but the most unexpected one was the penultimate track “No Wish,” which features production by Raphael Saadiq and a guest verse from SoulBounce family Phonte.
“No Wish” is driven by piano, a heavy kick drum and a looped vocal sample that instills the song with a thoughtful soul. Meanwhile, the two rappers take turns voicing the things they wish they didn’t have to wish for.
Black Milk delivers his verse first with a rhyme that covers a multitude. “Slow down, slow down / Could slow down this fast life,” he spits. “Handles on the breaks / Perfectly trying to handle your mistakes, same / Wishing with no candles, no cake, flame / Had stress relieved / Wish the loved ones that was lost / Had more breaths to breathe.”
Phonte kicks his verse in the same vein, though he comes with just a bit more fire at times. Still, he manages to work in his fair share of heartfelt moments as well. “Tried to close the door on my emotions / But loneliness is not the same as solitude,” he rhymes. “Wish that I could talk to the younger me / To tell him that I’m proud / And that he is allowed to express everything he’s feeling underneath / The joy and the pain is part of the game.”
Raphael’s beat is only an anomaly on Everybody Good? because it’s the only one on the album that isn’t produced or co-produced by Black Milk himself. Still, it adapts to fit almost seamlessly with other standouts like “Is It Just Me?” and “Downs Get Up.” Listen to “No Wish” right here and then head below to stream Everybody Good? in full.
