Prince Po delivers a masterclass in technical lyricism that feels both grounded in the golden age and restlessly experimental. His voice carries the weight of Queens hip-hop history, moving with a fluid, rhythmic precision that treats syllables like percussion. The production often leans into the 'indie-rap' aesthetic of the early 2000s, featuring warm analog crackle and unconventional samples.
What sets him apart is his ability to maintain a high level of complexity without sacrificing the groove. While his former partner Pharoahe Monch is known for explosive delivery, Po excels at a dense, internal-rhyme-heavy style that rewards repeat listens. He bridges the gap between the boom-bap foundations of the 90s and the abstract, glitchier textures of labels like Lex and Ninja Tune.
Start with 'The Slickness' to hear him at his solo peak, collaborating with top-tier producers like Madlib and Danger Mouse. It captures the perfect intersection of his veteran authority and his willingness to push the boundaries of the underground sound.
Lawrence Baskerville (born August 12, 1969), better known by his stage name Prince Po, is an American rapper and record producer from Queens, New York City, New York. He is a founder of Ice Bearz Movement.
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, layered dense (production style)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); confident, restless, contemplative (moods)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); confident, restless, contemplative (moods)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); confident, defiant, contemplative (moods)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); urban night, basement show, focused work (atmosphere)
Shares abstract hip-hop, boom bap, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); urban night, basement show, focused work (atmosphere)
Shares abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop, turntables, boom bap (signature)
Shares conscious hip-hop, turntables, abstract hip-hop, boom bap (subgenre)
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