Life Sucks

Life Sucks marks the official debut full-length from Powers Pleasant, a founding member of the Pro Era collective and a pivotal figure in the Brooklyn hip-hop renaissance. Released in October 2024, the album represents a culmination of his signature 'high-octane' production style, which bridges the gap between the sample-heavy boom bap of the 1990s and the aggressive, distorted textures of modern drill and trap. Unlike his previous collaborative projects, Life Sucks is a curated sonic experience that highlights Pleasant's ability to direct a diverse array of vocalists over his dense, cinematic beats. The album received positive notices for its refusal to adhere to the 'lo-fi' trends of the era, opting instead for a polished but gritty maximalism. It stands as a significant entry in the 2020s New York hip-hop canon, showcasing a producer at the height of his technical powers while maintaining the raw energy of the underground scene.