7/10

Over these last few years, fast-rising producer Krohme has established himself as one of the more innovative names doing the rounds. Taking cues from the darkened and immersive hip-hop aesthetic of the likes of DJ Shadow and J Dilla, his tenure to date has been this wildly explorative one where he looks to rebrand those grooves of yesteryear into something more progressive and forward-thinking. And after another prolific run of releases these last few months, he now returns with his eagerly-awaited sophomore album 'Before The Animals Know You're Dead', a record that continues that upward trajectory he has been cultivating lately.

Much like his dynamic repertoire to date, 'Before The Animals Know You're Dead' kicks out of the gates with bold beats and a truly enticing atmosphere throughout. Linking up with a heady mix of emerging and established talent such as Kurupt, Bizzy Bone, Young Buck, Sage Francis, Apathy, and Danny Diablo, his newest full-length continues that inventive energy he has always looked to project. Whether he is drawing us in with killer energy or opting for a more thought-provoking angle, Krohme never sits still and makes the most of this enigmatic fourteen-track collection.

It may have come after an incredibly busy and productive time for him, but 'Before The Animals Know You're Dead' proves he is still very much on top of his creative game right now. Brimming with an ambitious intent at every turn, Krohme remains a true innovator rising through the ranks right now.