For his final album, veteran MC/Producer, Mighty Theodore has crafted a heartfelt meditation on trauma, survival and redemption.
Inspired by the spirit of Hip Hop’s earliest years and littered with allusions to the NYC blackouts of 1977 as well as films like 80 Blocks From Tiffany’s and The Warriors. Theodore explains how Set Out In The Dark draws a parallel between the violence and palpable sense of lawlessness that permeated his youth. “I took inspiration from The Warriors movie and the origin of hip hop. In that era, everything looked bleak, except the culture and people who were taking nothing and making something beautiful. I wanted the album to feel like The Warriors movie. The desperation and struggle to keep moving and make it home safe.”
With outstanding performances from a stacked cast of guests: Fly Anakin, Sean Born, J Scienide, Tesla’s Ghost, Brainorchestra, YL, SonnyJim, Hassaan Mackey, Anwar HighSign, Cavalier, Set Out In The Dark shines with soul and insight.
Produced entirely by Mighty Theodore, the album is full of sonic treats. “Trouble Kings” rides on a breezy, horn-heavy beat and an uplifting chorus while “Royal Skulls” is a dreamy track with understated sitar samples. The track “Phantom Riders” stands out with its sweeping strings and vivid bars from Sean Born. Theodore’s sweetly sung chorus gets to the weary-yet optimistic heart of Set Out In The Dark itself: “The world left me out in the cold but I own every bag that I sold. God forgives, God forbid…”
Theodore reminds us that the songs on Set Out In The Dark are ultimately lessons in perseverance, music designed to help us push through life’s struggles, always keeping an eye on the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I wanted to write an album that spoke on despair, poverty and things that I experienced/lived through during the most formative years of my young life/adulthood.” He explains. “When I first really took a run at making music, I was under the impression that I didn't want to write anything that seemed to glorify crime and violence, especially without having a positive answer ready to respond with, but that's not always reality. I've known that life doesn't always end things on a good note and it's important to speak on those hard times regardless.”
-John Morrison
credits
released October 18, 2022
Produced By Mighty Theodore
Mixed by Mighty Theodore and Derek Euston
Mastered by Joe Hutchinson at Garage Masters
Album art by Jasper Jubenvill
supported by 5 fans who also own “Set Out In The Dark”
Skyzoo da God. One doesn't even have to understand the lyrics to get the real life and the soul in each and every track. Shit is major! Shout to Other Guys. aweso/\/\ynous
supported by 5 fans who also own “Set Out In The Dark”
Awon and SOUL.DOPE.95 killed it on this album! 💯 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 The fresh soulful jazz beats, and sophisticated conscious lyrical fire perfectly complement each other. This is Hip-Hop at it's finest. Hard earned skills and funky artistic talent fully flexed. This is music for the people - unapologetically representing the original man's excellence. Gotta love it!!! Hopefully this is the start of more high powered projects to come.
Stay blessed, & keep God first 🙏🏽 mb_boston