The Iceberg Theory

On his latest full length project, the unequivocal craft of Clbrks is bolstered by Scottish producer Vagrant Real Estate’s grandiose production. Erudite and enthralling from start to finish, The Iceberg Theory is an archaic journey into hip hop’s deepest embers. 

It’s hard to think of a UK rapper more striking, layered and quietly captivating than Clbrks. His discography is stylistically refined, yet every body of work offers a different sonic and thematic perspective, tying into the phantasm of an artist who is adroitly articulate. This year has seen CL in fine form; following the unveiling of HABITS 2, a fantastic follow up to the ’17 original with regular collaborator Kiina, we have been blessed with this new tape, a first collaboration with one of UK underground’s finest samplers Vagrant Real Estate. 

CL bridges the gap between the nefarious and the introspective, swimming through his mind state in a typically ambiguous and satirical manner, occasionally coming up for air, gifting Vagrant’s instrumentals acres of space to dramatise the erratic narratives. Features from underground big hitters Jackill, Kish! and Ramson Badbonez add depth and perspective, offering throwback flows and matching CL’s nuanced penmanship. Vagrant’s production is densely textured; dainty, hazy and devouring, there’s something almost gothic in the timbre, like it should be experienced in a smoking room of a dilapidated Victorian townhouse.