Cavanaugh (Open Mike Eagle x Serengeti)

Deltron 3030 is still one of my favorite rap records. It is the Mount Everest of concept records, immersing the listener in post-apocalyptic wasteland of battle-rapping aliens, gas-jacking masked monks and our syllabic protagonist, the tenderly braggadocios, Deltron. It is a certified masterpiece from Dan the Automator and Del the Funkee Homosapien. 

Collectively known as Cavanaugh, Open Mike Eagle and concept-record-veteran Serengeti, have zipped up some blue maintenance jumpsuits and started punching a virtual clock as laborers at the fictional Cavanaugh housing development. As off-center alt rappers from Chicago, the two have long been linked, and are, from what I understand, friends. This is their first collaboration and from what I can tell they are going all fucking in. 

Their first video/single, "Screen Play," is the perfect exposition to a would-be concept record. Introducing us to our protagonists: slight brigand, the fed-up Dave, and the adorably relatable, neurotic-yet-managing, Mike. 

In "Screen Play," Mike and Dave share some post work de-stressing over well whiskeys and shit talk. Shot in tight, black and white, it has an intimate but brooding feel. I was left entertained: "Heart of Darkness / Extra nothing / I don't know combos / I'm pressing buttons," but pondering lines like, "I might lose it / Truly let go / Kick the train door and sue the Metro / Buy new software and do electro / Start to feel weird because I'm too successful." 

Cavanaugh could be to grounded, present day apocalypses what Deltron 3030 was to fictional ones.