Martin Lucid Dream is the second extended play by American rapper and producer Denmark Vessey. Composed of eight tracks, it was released on October 9, 2015 via Rappers I Know,[1] and re-released in 2017 with two bonus tracks. Production was handled by Azarias, T-White, Exile and Denmark himself. It features guest appearances from Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, MosEL, Stretch Money, and Tanya Morgan.

Martin Lucid Dream
EP by
ReleasedOctober 9, 2015 (2015-10-09)
Recorded2015
GenreHip hop
Length25:15
LabelRappers I Know
Producer
Denmark Vessey chronology
Life, In My Direction
(2013)
Martin Lucid Dream
(2015)
Whole Food
(2016)

Music and lyrics

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Throughout the EP, Denmark Vessey addresses the ups and downs of his absurd life with a keen sense of humor. The tone of Martin Lucid Dream is exemplified by the song "Think Happy Thoughts."[2] It is an introspective look at the challenges of life, united by a positive-thinking mantra Vessey inherited from his mother and late grandmother. The track contains soothing vocal harmonies and guitar strums provided by Exile.[2] It gives way to a comedic church skit and then the disjointed string arrangements of "Keep Your Hoes In Check," where Vessey contemplates both deep and shallow questions.[2]

Release and promotion

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Denmark released a music video for Exile-produced track "Think Happy Thoughts" directed by Jeremy Ian Thomas on July 6, 2016.[3]

Critical reception

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Rolling Stone magazine ranked the extended play at number 34 of their list of the 40 Best Rap Albums of 2015.[2]

Track listing

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No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Warning" (featuring Guilty Simpson)Denmark Vessey2:48
2."Dr. Martin Lucid Dream" (featuring Tanya Morgan)Azarias3:50
3."Don't Smoke K2"T-White1:58
4."Nerd Niggas"Denmark Vessey3:08
5."Chemtrails"T-White2:45
6."Think Happy Thoughts and Keep Your Hoes in Check"
5:22
7."Be Great" (featuring Black Milk)Denmark Vessey1:39
8."Everyday" (featuring Mosel and Stretch Money)Denmark Vessey3:45
Total length:25:15
2017 re-release bonus tracks
No.TitleProducerLength
9."Katt Williams"T-White1:51
10."Snowing in LA"Earl Sweatshirt3:05
Total length:30:11

Personnel

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  • Aleksander Manfredi – additional producer
  • Azarias – additional producer
  • Byron Simpson – featured artist
  • Curtis Cross – featured artist
  • Damien Randle – executive producer, additional mixing
  • Denmark Vessey – main artist, executive producer, producer
  • Devon Callender – featured artist
  • Donald Freeman – featured artist
  • Doug Saltzman – mixing, mastering
  • Frank William Miller Junior – creative direction, design, executive producer
  • Mosel – featured artist
  • Stretch Money – featured artist
  • Tyler T-White – additional producer
  • Thebe Kgositsile – producer

References

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  1. ^ FWMJ (2015-10-09). "Denmark Vessey — Martin Lucid Dream". FWMJ's Rappers I Know.
  2. ^ a b c d Aku, Timmhotep (December 23, 2015). "40 Best Rap Albums of 2015". Rolling Stone.
  3. ^ McKinney, Jessica (July 6, 2016). "Denmark Vessey Releases "Think Happy Thoughts" Video". Vibe.
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