Like current thug-rap trendsetters Odd Future and A$AP Rocky, SpaceGhostPurrp operates in the same kind of hyper-violent, dreamlike world that currently dominates hip-hop.
This is the first studio album for the South Florida rapper and he's stuffed it full of the kind of sinister beats and slurred, sniping lyrics beloved of artists such as Tricky and Scalper.
It's that oppressive tension that turns this collection of mixtape classics and new material into an occasionally unmissable audio horror film.
Bringing the Phonk's repetitive slow-mo chants and the Wu-Tang Clan-style threats of Get Yah Head Bust are capable of hair-raising tension and sound infinitely more threatening than the over-the-top styles of commercial rap.
Elsewhere, Tha Black God employs horn stabs and melancholy piano riffs reminiscent of Trent Reznor's instrumental work, while No Evidence is the kind of ethereal space-rap that could soundtrack a slow walk on the moon.
It's unsettling stuff that can stay inside your head for days, but it's when SpaceGhostPurrp lightens up ever so slightly on Grind on Me - a filthily explicit sex tale that would redden the cheeks of even the hardiest of souls - that he really thrills, losing the robotic monotone and starting to sound like he's enjoying himself.
More of that, and he'd have a classic on his hands.
Stars: 4/5
Verdict: Mixtape rapper's thuggish debut has occasional unmissable moments.
- TimeOut