GOLLIWOG, the latest offering from Brooklyn-based rapper billy woods, is a chilling and introspective journey into the darker corners of the human experience. Released on May 9, 2025, under the independent label Backwoodz Studioz, this 18-track album is a haunting blend of experimental, alternative, and East Coast hip-hop, clocking in at just over 52 minutes. Following the success of his previous work, Maps, billy woods returns with a collection that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.
GOLLIWOG is a cinematic tapestry that weaves together horror, humor, surrealism, and Afropessimism, creating a soundscape that is both unsettling and captivating. The album features collaborations with notable artists such as Bruiser Wolf, al.divino, Cavalier, Despot, and Elucid, adding layers of depth and diversity to the project. Tracks like "Jumpscare," "STAR87," and "Misery" showcase billy woods' signature lyrical prowess and his ability to confront trauma and state-sanctioned terror with unflinching honesty.
The album's title, GOLLIWOG, is a nod to the controversial children's character, and it serves as a metaphor for the exploration of race, identity, and the lingering effects of historical and systemic oppression. billy woods' introspective lyrics and the album's eerie production create a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final track, "Dislocated," fades out.
GOLLIWOG is not just an album; it's an experience that challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and question the world around them. With its blend of horrorcore, surrealism, and raw emotion, GOLLIWOG solidifies billy woods' reputation as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking voices in underground hip-hop. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to billy woods' music, GOLLIWOG is a project that demands to be heard and felt.
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