Bladee – Working on Dying

Working on Dying is a collaborative mixtape by Swedish cloud rapper Bladee and Philadelphia producer collective Working on Dying, released on December 28, 2017. The album features guest appearances from Yung Lean, Bladee’s frequent collaborator and fellow Drain Gang member, as well as Black Kray and Ecco2K. The production is handled by members of Working on Dying, including Oogie Mane, Forza, Brandon Finessin, and F1lthy, along with Bladee’s main producer Whitearmour.

Musical Style

Working on Dying is characterized by its signature tread style of production, featuring fast tempos, glitchy and spacey synthesizer melodies, unpredictable hi-hat patterns, driving 808 patterns, and busy, complex percussive loops. Bladee’s vocals are delivered in a signature high-pitched, melodic rap style, often blending seamlessly with the atmospheric production.

Themes and Lyrical Content

The album delves into themes of introspection, alienation, and emotional vulnerability. Bladee’s lyrics explore his personal struggles, relationships, and desires, often employing a poetic and enigmatic style. The guest features add to the album’s diverse soundscape and lyrical depth.

Critical Reception and Influence

Working on Dying received positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative production, Bladee’s captivating vocals, and the album’s overall emotional resonance. The mixtape is considered a landmark release in the cloud rap genre, solidifying Bladee’s position as a leading figure in the underground hip-hop scene.