Alpha’s World’s Debut EP ‘In My Zone’ Takes DHH Trap A Step Forward

New Delhi’s hip-hop vocabulary revolves almost entirely around a singular point of inflection – the overwhelming display of masculine grandiosity. How hard can you spit? How many hardships did you go through to get to where you are right now? What makes you good enough to be in our league? These are all metrics that the 24-year-old rapper, Arjun Lal, aka Alpha’s World, has confidently chosen to ignore, in favor of honesty and self-reflection. The young rapper’s latest 6-track EP, In My Zone, comes off the release of numerous singles in his discography, most of which have been met with minimal fanfare. Alpha’s World’s most recent single, “Brando,” which also finds a spot in In My Zone, was the rapper’s foray into a Memphis-trap-inspired sound with a molasses-smooth beat. While flute and brass/wind melodies on quick hi-hats may seem outdated (read summer of 2018-core), Arjun Lal’s crisp vocals and tight delivery allow him to find his comfortable pocket. “Brando”, as a love letter to Lal’s partner, a melodious lead single in a similar vein to Kota the Friend’s “Summerhouse” from his 2020 album EVERYTHING. It is the best representation of what to expect from his musicality on this new EP.

The EP itself, In My Zone, is rooted in the idea of self-actualization. Everything from the lyricism to the carefully chosen collaborators come together to allow the rapper to articulate his position in not only his own mind, but also within the hip hop game. The opening track, “CHOSEN”, is an interesting choice to begin the EP with; it sets the tone right off the bat as a cerebral, if not slightly insular, cushion. Lal’s lyrics hold weight and are honest, however the repetitive flow leaves the listener patiently waiting for more.

This patience is immediately rewarded with “Rosè Papi”, a single that will undoubtedly be the most memorable one off the entire extended play. The track begins with yet another characteristic trap groove sprinkled with a dare-I-say delicious bassline. “Rosè Papi” introduces Akashi, another young Delhi-based artist into the mix who adds a sensual, intoxicating hook. Akin to the vocal range and inflections of Californian singer H.E.R., Akashi grabs a firm hold of the listener’s attention right off the bat. This momentum is carried further by Alpha’s World, who finds his candy sweet spot equally in delivery and flow. The tête-à-tête between the two artists fits as perfectly, despite some arguably laughable mishit bars.

You I wanna eat, no Dahmer, make you in a freak like Kama/Snake no charmer/Under your skin, no Armour

While there are moments in the remainder of In My Zone that show potential – such as the delicious inclusion of a saxophone solo by Rishabh Puri in the track “CAN’T STOP” – the EP seems to be just the slightest peak into the artist’s own understanding of his self. It becomes increasingly difficult to empathize with the plight of an up-and-coming, albeit talented, rapper when much of their lyrics invoke Cartier rings, Porches and “Headie on Riri Rocky”. The rapper clearly is in a moment in his career where the understanding of production and hit-making is second nature.

In My Zone offers a reasonable enough hint into what is to be expected from Alpha’s World, which is to say a refreshing take on self growth that is unheard of in modern pop-rap. What remains to be seen, however, is if his own core audience will only be bumping it in their cars before skipping, or choose to keep it on loop.