Seattle-based rapper associated with Patterns of Saturn and Reposado, Torin Frost doesn’t hold back any punches on his debut mixtape. Through its 12 tracks, Frost provides an excellent branch of storytelling and hip hop and soul sounds that are in tune to his unified vision.
Tip of the Drip and Cashew Cheesecakes combine slick, luscious, rnb beats combined with the chill rap style of the album’s MC to create a well established foundation. Frost’s clever wordplay and lyrical themes of Greek mythology and metaphors of desserts respectively sets a strong tone of what he’s able to bring to the table. Healthy Diet and Belly of the Beast show two forks in the road in terms of direction. The former doing a more direct trap freestyle route, the ladder being an even more chilled out groove than the two opening tracks (it even has smooth saxophones during its second half). So far, Act one has left a good impression. The rapping is spot on and creates anticipation that there’s more layers beneath the tip of the iceberg.
Sébilea showcases more intricate flows while remaining in a subdued delivery reminiscent of Snoop Dogg. The brief interlude Sarai while short, gives an effective showcase of Frost’s rap skills over a just as chill instrumental. But the strongest track on the album has to be Arbor Lake! Torin’s first attempt at a story song, this track paints the narrative of a near death experience a friend had and the trauma and worry it caused. I honestly think this is up there with other great story rap songs such as Brenda has a Baby and Stan. I applaud Frost for taking risks and throwing his hat in the ring tackling this concept. Coupes pt.II functions as an escape from the intense previous track by providing lyrics about drugs being used as an escape from life’s hardships. I love the hazy g funk beat mixed with contemporary rap production. The addition of saxophones definitely encapsulates that floaty, Smokey, feeling. This middle half of the album to me shows it’s heart and strength.
Saturn’s Moon provides a more pop route with a hook at its start. I’m reminded of old school Drake in this track and even a bit of old school Kanye. Frost is definitely a versatile rapper for tackling every demographic of direction on this record, but perhaps there can be more commitment to less/one route(s) on future releases. Patchouli gives us a string section, soft vocal and piano chops, and great rhymes about love and traveling the world together. Aurora Borealis reminds me of 2019 hit single Blubeery Faygo (albeit with a more soulful twist in its instrumental). The closer Alchemy helps book close the release with a serenade to love and inspiration. This cinematic last third is a cool way to keep the music interesting and end on a strong final note!
Lastly, we have the bonus track on the deluxe edition, Lobo y la Puma! This song takes a complete 180 from the main album by going an acoustic folk latin rap route. Filled with acoustic guitars, latin percussion, and some nice falsetto singing from frost, the track overall feels warm and consistent continuing the message of the album proper and serves as good thank you letter to Frost’s collaborators and fans.
Overall, Drip of the Iceberg is a great showcase of Torin Frost’s prowess as a rapper and visionary. However, I do feel like he’s not entirely sure of his target demographic when it comes to instrumentals. And while I like every track and direction presented here, I also feel like these are just slight baby steps into different styles rather than huge confident leaps. Regardless, this record is a great head start for Frost’s work and showcases an excellent community of great musicians determined to make a stellar final product. I wish Torin Frost the world for whatever paths he takes going forward.
9/10