Los Angeles-based rapper Open Mike Eagle is back with exciting news for fans as he announces his upcoming project, Another Triumph of Ghetto Engineering, set to drop on August 25th via Auto Reverse. Alongside the announcement, he treats us to a fresh single titled “WFLD 32,” featuring long-time collaborators eshu tune (Hannibal Buress’ rap persona, who recently released his single “I LIFT WEIGHTS” in June), still rift, and video dave. The tour kicks off on August 16th, taking him to 15 cities, including Atlanta, Memphis, North Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and more.
In this latest release, Open Mike Eagle once again showcases his refined penmanship and signature pensive flow. On “WFLD 32,” he delves into contemplations about life goals, perfecting his art, and the anxieties that accompany financial responsibilities and sharing music with the world. With Kenny Segal, who recently earned praise for his collaboration with billy woods on Maps, skillfully providing kaleidoscopic production, and the collaboration with eshu tune, still rift, and video dave, the five have crafted a sound that skillfully interweaves self-reassurance and a wistful acceptance of reality.
Another Triumph of Ghetto Engineering, as suggested by the title, serves as a poignant exploration of black creativity, particularly within the rap and hip-hop realm, intertwined with Open Mike Eagle’s own personal experiences. He explains, “In the ghetto, we never stop toiling! These songs are all fancy ways of saying ‘fuck you’ to people that ignore us and ‘thank you’ to people that care if we live or die! Pay close attention to the song titles! This is another triumph of ghetto engineering! I took that cover photo. That’s my mama’s hand!”
Open Mike Eagle’s last album, Component System, released with Auto Reverse, received critical acclaim and was lauded by Pitchfork as a geographical and spiritual nexus, encompassing Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles and charting the map of people and places that have shaped his hip-hop journey. Alongside honing his craft, he’s also actively engaged in the well-received podcast What Had Happened Was with legendary A&R/producer Dante Ross, exploring the impact of hip-hop’s most influential hitmakers. With his latest project on the horizon and a bustling tour schedule, fans can expect more greatness from Open Mike Eagle.
Listen to “WFLD 32” featuring eshu tune, still rift and video dave above, see full tour routing below and stay tuned for more from Open Mike Eagle coming soon.
Upcoming Live Dates
8/16 – Lansing, MI @ Hall 224
8/17 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit Hall
8/18 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
8/19 – Lexington, KY @ The Burl
8/20 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
8/21 – Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle
8/22 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Tavern
8/23 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
8/24 – Charleston, NC @ Music Farm
8/25 – Atlanta, GA @ Hell at The Masquerade
8/26 – Memphis, TN @ Growlers
8/27 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall
8/29 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
8/31 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Resident Head 9/1 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
