The Abstract Assassins return after a nine-year hiatus

Released: March 10th 2026

When I saw this pop up in my algorithm, I audibly let out a “HELL YEAH!” After nearly nine years, Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman converge once again to form the Voltron of alternative hip-hop: Lice. This fourth installment arrives at a time when the genre feels desperate for the kind of intellectual rigors and sonic experimentation these two provide so effortlessly.

I went into this project knowing I’d be content with whatever they conjured. I’ve never been disappointed by their solo catalogs, but their synergy as a duo creates a specific lightning-in-a-bottle effect. Aesop Rock handled the production entirely, and the result is a masterclass in beat composition. His signature ability to craft unorthodox, “awkward” rhythms that pull the listener into a separate dimension remains his greatest superpower. It’s industrial, soulful, and eerie all at once.

The defining element of Season Four is the evolution of their subject matter. While both artists are known for rapping in “hieroglyphics,” those who take the time to decipher the code will find a profound reflection of our current era. They dissect the weight of the last decade, touching on personal growth, the hollow nature of a materialistic culture, and a growing institutional distrust.

The technical display here is equally stunning. The pockets Homeboy Sandman finds on tracks like “The Burgers” are among the most impressive of his career—a high bar to vault, considering his reputation for rhythmic flexibility. Meanwhile, Aesop’s “boastful linguistics” provide the perfect counterweight. Together, they have delivered a dense, rewarding experience that proves their chemistry hasn’t aged a day. This isn’t just a reunion; it’s a reminder of why they are the gold standard for independent, lyric-driven hip-hop.

Standout Tracks: Who Sent You, The 1, The Burgers, Homework Album Rating: 9.5/10

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (9.5/10)