The official and complete tracklist for the album is as follows:
: Often cited as the album’s lead single, it features heavy bass and playful lyrics that turn nostalgic gaming references into adult themes.
Memoirs of the Reaper was born out of this total creative autonomy. Free from label constraints, Gibson leaned heavily into his favorite themes: anime culture, grim reaper mythology, mental health struggles, and the harsh realities of the music industry. The album served as a thematic sequel to his previous dark narratives, framing Gibson not just as a rapper, but as a grim reaper collecting souls through hypnotic basslines and razor-sharp flows. Track-by-Track Atmosphere: Production and Themes
Where to listen and how to support the artist Support the artist by streaming or purchasing through official channels:
Released on May 9, 2017 Memoirs of the Reaper is a pivotal full-length project by Los Angeles-based artist Azizi Gibson
Look for official digital storefronts such as Bandcamp or the official preHISTORIC website, where fans can legally buy high-quality digital files directly from the creator.
The production, spearheaded by long-time collaborators like Kamandi, provides a crisp yet hazy backdrop. It allows Gibson’s versatile delivery—shifting effortlessly from aggressive double-time flows to melodic, hazy sing-talking—to take center stage. Standout Tracks You Need to Hear
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, Azizi Gibson began his music career in the early 2010s. With a strong foundation in hip-hop and a passion for creative expression, Gibson quickly gained traction on social media platforms, sharing his early work and building a loyal following. His raw talent, coupled with his unapologetic approach to storytelling, resonated with fans and industry insiders alike.
Critical reception to Memoirs of the Reaper was a study in contrasts. On one hand, publications like Loud And Quiet found the album to be inconsistent, noting that the juddery, repetitive beats could become grating. However, most reviews praised its ambition. Loud And Quiet also acknowledged that it was "more conceptually detailed than anything he’s done before", and other platforms highlighted Gibson's eccentricity and skill at balancing "braggadocious swagger with samples snagged straight out of a horror movie".
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Track 4, "Scythe Swing"— that was for the night he lost his best friend to a stray bullet. He turned the 808s low and let the sample of rain fill the space instead. Track 7, "Empty Throne"— that was for the record label that tried to own his voice. He’d recorded the vocals in one take, voice cracking on the last line: “Kings don’t beg, they just walk through the flames.”
The Legacy of "Memoirs of the Reaper": Why Azizi Gibson’s 2017 Masterpiece Still Haunts the Underground
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