If I Fail Are We Still Cool?

by Patrick Paige II

Overview

The song off Patrick Paige II's Letters of Irrelevance that got the most play was "Voodoo," swampy funk bearing a strong resemblance to D'Angelo's like-titled album. Nearly submerged in the mix, Paige acknowledged "But I still got growing up to do." Three years later, the Internet bassist proves that he's done a good amount of it, at least as an artist, with his more distinctive follow-up. The flight-themed If I Fail Are We Still Cool? swings with more authority between hip-hop and funk, more often leans to the former, and shows Paige as a more imaginative lyricist. Two of the songs with the most to offer, the freaky-deaky "Whisper (Want My Luv)" and wobbly "Ain't Talkin Bout Much," coincidentally feature Paige's bandmates, and space granted to the likes of Saba and Ohana Bam isn't wasted, yet a solid EP could be made from the all-Paige tracks. Start with the bluesy "So They Say" and the spaced-out synth soul of "Who Am I," unflinching and deeply analytical songs articulating internal conflict between aspiration and humility, and Paige's desire to exterminate wickedness and uplift his people. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	07/30/2021
Label:	Fat Possum Records
UPC:	0767981176611
Rank:	118385

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Patrick Paige II   Primary Artist
Forte Bowie   Featured Artist
Steve Lacy   Featured Artist
Ohana Bam   Featured Artist
Syd   Featured Artist
Durand Bernarr   Featured Artist
Westside McFly   Featured Artist
Paco   Featured Artist
Allen Love   Featured Artist

Technical Credits

Zahid Jiva   Photo Editing
Justin Brown   Photography