Thanksgiving went down last week but why slow down the turn up vibes? Rely on the power of some fire bars and hard-hitting tunes courtesy of rap artist Ode Broham and the newly released I Need a Vacation EP.

Ode Broham’s ‘I Need a Vacation’ EP hits way different

It’s only 12 minutes in length but every second goes hard. With four legit audio gems loaded into the project, Ode doesn’t disappoint with his newest project.

The idea for the EP started to form back in 2020 and was ostensibly a product of work fatigue, as Broham’s job became increasingly stressful during the pandemic. He had already addressed the struggles of that work-life balance on his 2019 album, DON’T COME HOME DEAD, so on the new EP the focus is around the concept of stepping away to find some much-deserved freedom.

Canadian-born Broham drew further inspiration from the journey to attain US citizenship and the subsequent musical rebrand that saw him elevate from his old persona as Capital Ode, into his final form as Ode Broham. All these factors played their part in bringing i need a vacationto fruition.

Thematically the EP tackles a variety of subjects across its four-track span, beginning with the confrontational "All Inclusive Intro". Here Broham turns his gaze to the Lower East Side underground scene in NY where he has been a guiding force for a number of artists over the years, only to see the favor returned in the form of stolen ideas and creative contributions left uncredited. The chances are that if you think this song is about you then you're probably right.

The two previously released singles form the central chunk of the EP, starting with the Pook Hustle-assisted "Eco Drop", and the most recent release, "BayBae", which featured fellow NY artist, Jean-Luc. Both tracks showcased Broham’s versatility, switching up in styles from the atmospheric production of "Eco Drop" to the undeniable summer energy of "BayBae".

"Hoodrat Classic" brings the EP to a close, with Broham going solo as he manages to make a song that give a nod to the many places he has called home along the way. From Toronto to Brooklyn by way of Florida, Alabama and New Jersey, "Hoodrat Classic" is an ode to the checkered backdrop of his past and the proof that you can never forget where you came from.

Production on the i need a vacation is handled by Drum Fu, who manages to underpin the entire EP with the same infectious energy, while still managing to give each track its own identity. The uplifting sound of "All Inclusive Intro" proves to be the ideal opener, starting things as they mean to go on. The previously mentioned atmospheric vibe of "Eco Drop" is replicated again on "Hoodrat Classic", while the rhythmic power of "BayBae" is further enhanced by additional support from horn player, Zachary Durham.

i need a vacation looks set to continue Ode Broham’s quest to distinguish himself in an increasingly saturated rap landscape, while leaving listeners with a thirst for more material.