I Dont Do Drugs, I Am Drugs. Bold statement for a project title. Then again, rapper Soch doesn’t really come off like anything but bold. A cold-rhymed rapper with a clear influence from people in the Griselda camp such as Benny the Butcher, this eight-track project makes a case for how music can be more addictive than certain substances.
This eight-track EP runs like if a punchy yet introspective hip-hop mixtape of its own, taking all of the frustrations Soch has with life in general, threw them into a blender and handed you a glass of pure, unfiltered, high-energy self-aware bravado chilled to perfection. Multiple songs on this project dig deep, giving you this perfect balance of “let’s get hype” and “let’s have a serious talk about my story, whether you’re ready or not.” Despite his many influences, he’s not really trying to copy anyone—he’s just living his truth and telling it like it is and that’s pretty commendable and refreshing.
Backwood Tiday Wave is a chill banger with some pretty good punchlines delivered like a Doordash order; straight to you with no fuss. Vibeless is a playful nod to the irony of its title with its charismatically cold hook of “catch a vibe” repeated ad nauseum over a psychedelic trap beat reminiscent of Birds in The Trap. Personal highlight Aware n Away starts off with a great sample, followed by Flashing Lights by Kanye West-style synth bass runs and Soch’s delivery embodying the cadence of a young Drake.
I Don’t Do Drugs, I Am Drugs is more than just an EP—it’s a statement, and Soch has made that loud and clear. With tracks that blend technical skill, storytelling, and undeniable charisma, Soch has made something that isn’t just for the hip-hop heads. This is for anyone looking for a little raw authenticity and a reminder that music can still make you feel something real, even though if I can be honest, I’m not too fond of the one-track mind this project operates in lyrically as while it’s a smaller release, it definitely feels abbreviated and made in a few quick sessions because it shows the potential for a longer project with more to deliver.
Nevertheless, I Don’t Do Drugs, I Am Drugs is the kind of project that gets in your face with how things can really be while reminding you why you fell in love with music in the first place. If this sounds like your vibe, you’ll find it pretty easy to like this. Enjoy in moderation.
