Chicago has had no shortage of top shelf hip-hop projects in the past year, and Isael X’s LSD Vol. III belongs in the conversation with some of the best. We’ve been covering Isael and the Private Stock collective for a while now, and LSD represents a watershed moment in their development as a musical movement.

Isael’s flow, as I’ve written before, is reminiscent of a Saba or an Ab-Soul. The delivery varies and shifts with the beat, but the intelligence, emotional honesty and charisma are constantly on display.

The singles are obvious standouts, and the raucous “Hong Kong” and syrupy “Masterplan” sound just as good in context as they do standing alone, but LSD’s highest moments come on the deeper cuts.

“Xanimal” blends a smooth jazz sample with some of Isael’s most ferocious bars, creating a wonderfully contradictory record.

“Natural Born Spitta” is a soulful, reflective track that showcase Isael’s creativity and wordplay over a choice beat from CEO. “Devil’s Door” is similarly thoughtful, and features boom-bap drums, horn samples and some refreshingly honest bars about the hustling lifestyle.

All in all, LSD is a triumph for Isael X and one of the best Chicago rap releases of the year.

Listen and download LSD Vol. III below and keep checking PGM for updates on Isael X and Private Stock:

https://soundcloud.com/isaelx/natural-born-spitta-prod-ceo-1?in=isaelx/sets/l-s-d-vol-iii-lost-seeking