Philadelphia, Pennsylvania emcee Rosco P. Coldchain has enlisted Montréal, Québec, Canada producer Nicholas Craven for his latest sophomore effort. After rising to prominence in the 2000s with his signing to Star Trak Entertainment, Coldchain’s career path took several turns, including a debut album, Almost Famous, produced by Fatin Horton of The Soul Council. Following the mixed reception of his previous EP, For the Mature, Coldchain returns with a project that feels both focused and revitalized: Play with Something Safe.
The album opens with “Benz Sprinter,” a track that immediately sets the tone with a drumless sample and gritty narratives about street life. This is followed by the soulful introspection of “Hold My Hand,” where Coldchain confronts the consequences of his past lifestyle. Tracks like “Frankenstein” utilize haunting organ melodies to establish a dark, underground atmosphere, while “The Future” showcases his ability to accelerate his flow to prove his lyrical authenticity.
The second half of the project maintains this momentum. “Prayer Group” brings back classic chipmunk soul aesthetics, allowing for a moment of vulnerability regarding his family. “Die Slow,” featuring Bruiser Wolf, employs tense, atmospheric production to highlight the duo’s rising status in the industry. The title track, featuring Ab-Liva and Jimmie D, serves as a standout moment, with the trio trading bars over a minimalist loop.
Nicholas Craven has described Play with Something Safe as his closest venture into horrorcore, and the result is a cohesive, dark, and compelling listen. By refining his sample-heavy production style and curating a sharp guest list, Craven has helped Coldchain deliver what is arguably his greatest solo material to date. It is a project that validates Coldchain’s position as one of the most underrated lyricists in the game.
Score: 9/10