MIKE

MIKE (in allcaps) is the hip-hop artist Michael Bonema whose work has an experimental edge. His recordings are generally on the lo-fi side with loops that have a vintage feel, jazzy undertones and elements of R&B and soul folded in. His grooves are typically low-key, occasionally with a bit of a glitchy beat that adds a touch of off balance. He raps in a relatively flat style and in a laid back voice that is typically mixed just a tad above the instruments. There is a gentle woozy flow to his music and a level of melancholy that stays pretty constant across the board. His songs delve into personal issues, visiting emotional topics including loss, grief, and isolation with remarkable openness.