Rochester rapper RXKNephew is known for his chaotic, meme-worthy punchlines, unpredictable storytelling, and irreverent approach to rap. Whether he’s targeting exes, reminiscing about former drug connections, or pulling random thoughts from his subconscious, Nephew thrives on a raw, unfiltered style that captivates listeners with its sheer unpredictability. On his latest project, LIFE AFTER NEPH, Nephew partners with legendary producer Harry Fraud for an 11-track journey through cinematic mafioso rap. Fraud, a longtime Coke Boys collaborator, brings a polished, glossy aesthetic that contrasts with Nephew’s freewheeling energy. Their chemistry, while surprising, works well, with Fraud’s lush, Godfather-esque soundscapes giving Nephew’s rhymes a cinematic backdrop. Nephew’s versatility shines as he adapts to Fraud’s beats, shifting from boom-bap to vintage ATL trap, showcasing his ability to thrive in diverse sonic environments.
The album opens with “Pebble Beach,” where Nephew takes a victory lap, reflecting on his journey from hard times to luxury, rapping about Gucci frames and family struggles over Fraud’s triumphant production. On “Authority Figure,” Nephew glides over piano synths and sharp snares, delivering sharp-witted verses that embody the sly confidence of a successful hustler. However, the track bears a resemblance to Fraud’s recent work with Valee, slightly diminishing its distinctiveness. A standout moment arrives with “RX INSTRUCTIONS,” featuring frequent collaborator Rx Papi. Here, Fraud’s sparse, looping production gives Nephew the freedom to unleash his zany, off-the-wall delivery. The synergy between Nephew and Papi is electric, capturing their shared energy and chemistry. This track underscores Nephew’s ability to command attention when given room to explore his personality. Fraud’s production adapts to Nephew’s eclectic style throughout the album. On “Dub 4 U,” quirky synths and funky basslines create a disco-meets-drug-dealing vibe that complements Nephew’s narrative of neighborhood dominance. Meanwhile, “All Gone” pairs Nephew with Z Money in a track that feels better suited for Valee but still showcases Nephew’s ability to match any cadence. On “The Roundtable,” even Nephew’s weed distributor TedBudz contributes a surprisingly solid verse, while Nephew delivers a subdued performance, opting for a smooth, Pimp C-inspired vibe over his usual antics. However, the album’s main weakness lies in Fraud’s often rigid production style. While his mafia-inspired beats are polished and atmospheric, they sometimes constrain Nephew’s natural unpredictability, forcing him into a more structured template that leaves little room for innovation. This can make the project feel somewhat repetitive, with moments of true experimentation—such as the wild, left-field sample on “Top Chef Neph”—standing out as exceptions rather than the norm. Despite its occasional constraints, LIFE AFTER NEPH showcases Nephew’s ability to adapt, experiment, and shine within different musical contexts. The project is a testament to his growth as an artist and his willingness to scale back his chaotic tendencies for a more polished, collaborative effort. While not without its flaws, the album captures the essence of RXKNephew’s unique artistry, proving that even within the confines of Fraud’s cinematic world, Nephew’s wild creativity still finds a way to break through.