Stray, the 33-year-old rapper and songwriter hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, continues to solidify his presence in the underground hip-hop scene. Having formed the Rogue Hollow collective during the 2020 pandemic, Stray has maintained a consistent output, from his solo debut Witherman to his 2023 full-length project Cloudy Alibi. His latest offering, the EP Blink of an Eye, marks his third project in this format and serves as a direct prelude to his highly anticipated sophomore effort, Flinch.
For this project, Stray has enlisted the talents of Charlie Beans, the newest in-house producer for the Rogue Hollow crew. Beans, who recently handled production duties for James Joyce the Squatch’s Discomfort Inn, brings a dark, atmospheric sonic palette that complements Stray’s lyrical approach perfectly.
The EP opens with the “Change of Plans” intro, leading into “Cicada,” a track defined by an aggressive boom-bap instrumental that captures the urgency of an artist who has been operating in the shadows for too long. The project continues with “Foul Ground,” featuring James Joyce the Squatch, which highlights the distinction between the collective and their contemporaries. Tracks like “Out Alive” and “Frost Bite” delve into themes of existential reflection and resilience, while the closer, “Perfect Timing,” provides a poignant conclusion to the short-form project.
With Flinch slated for release later this fall—also entirely produced by Charlie Beans—it is clear that Blink of an Eye is more than just a stopgap. It represents a refinement of the sound Stray and his team are cultivating. If this EP is any indication, Flinch is poised to surpass the critical reception of his previous work, further establishing Rogue Hollow as a formidable force in the underground.
Score: 8/10