Lt. Sunnie's "Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia" Review
Review by: Paul Thorson @PaulyT03
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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It’s Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia” cover art
Lt. Sunnie’s project, “Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia,” released within the first few weeks of 2022, but its shine still resonates long after the summer sun wanes. Lt. Sunnie has her hand in many creative pots, being a singer, dancer, and host of The Sex Talk Podcast.
Last September, she cemented her resurgence as an emcee with the seven-track mixtape “Re-Introduction of Lt. Sunnie.” In only three short months, “Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia” nearly doubles Lt. Sunnie’s young but ever-expanding hip-hop catalog.
Being the only queer black woman on the star-studded collective of FairPlay Entertainment, Lt. Sunnie plays a vital perspective in contrast with her six peers, bringing an out-of-the-box style, mixing grit with bubbly and enriching harmonies. In its 22-minute run time, “Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia” displays this balance as Lt. Sunnie’s sound refines throughout the six-track EP.
“It’s Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia” tracklist
“It’s Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia” starts with a party. The triumphant drone of horns meander over big-bodied 808s and rattling hi-hats. Lt. Sunnie paints a picture of lush festivities in the hook before coming out swinging in her first verse. The energy never drops throughout this opening track as two other FPE emcees, Brandon Pulphus and Tuvok the Word, keep the party kicking with ferocious demeanors throughout their verses.
“Don’t need no deal, word to Howie.”
On an inverse of the triumphant and gritty mood in the intro, Lt. Sunnie dials back the tenacity and cranks up the serotonin in You are my Sunshine. Lt. Sunnie bears an ode to her birth-giver with jubilant horns, zany keys, and bouncy 808s. This rendition of the classic lullaby encompasses the hard truth of parenthood mixed with Lt. Sunnie's sheer appreciation for her first and pivotal life influence.
Lt. Sunnie’s latest music video and springtime single “Little Suprise.”
The midway of “Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia,” presents quite a complicated pit stop. Car Wreck tells two stories in one as Lt. Sunnie shares a road trip tale gone awry. Throughout the track, the FPE emcee’s travel with an unnamed partner turns for the worst when they breakdown and costly repairs are needed. The lyrics mirror a relationship on the verge of heading to the scrapyard as Lt. Sunnie tries to keep it on the road for as long as she can.
“My TLC couldn’t fix your engine.”
The fourth track On a Star is just pure bars. The pitched, droning vocal sample with the quick-hitting keys and textbook boom bap drums create a foundation for Lt. Sunnie to puff her chest and establish herself as a hard-spitting emcee.
The penultimate track of “It’s Always Sunnie In Trilidelphia” delivers another feel-good anthem with a little holiday twist. I Want You for Christmas gives us an endearing symphony while Lt. Sunnie paints a picturesque portrait of Christmas day. With almost everything she could possibly want for the holidays, there's one more thing to make it complete: that special someone. FPE founder and everyone’s 7th favorite hip-hop person, Nur-D has the same wish as Sunnie, pining after the gift of a snowy, cozy Christmas with his sweetheart.
I Want You For Christmas Cover Art Single
The final track FPE Cypher leaves all cards on the table as every member of FairPlay Entertainment--including MPLS Drew and Mickey Breeze--bring potent and untamed verses over a spirited trap-laced banger. FPE Cypher is a sure-fire way to end “Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia” for Lt. Sunnie.
Whether the sun shines over Trilidelphia or Minneapolis, Lt. Sunnie’s growing resume in the hip-community looks bright for the FPE emcee.
Stream “It’s Always Sunnie in Trilidelphia” on Spotify, Bandcamp, or wherever you stream your music.
