PXXR GVNG’s resident sad boy Kaydy Cain has dropped a new mixtape, and it demonstrates the versatility of his emo rapper persona. Preceded by the promo single and video for “Purgatorio,” Between Heaven and Hell explores both the indulgences and regrets of living the fast life as seen through Cain’s eyes.
The tape isn’t short on PXXR GVNG influences, as Steve Lean, the group’s go-to beatmaker, produced a couple of tracks. GVNG members Yung Beef and Khaled also hop on features. “Intro” sticks out for its reference to the anime series Naruto and its sample of a track dedicated to “Hokage,” which means “fire” and “shadow” – a fitting theme for someone stuck between heaven and hell.
Elsewhere, Kaydy tackles a sample of JoJo’s “Too Little, Too Late” on the Marvin Cruz-produced “So Selfish,” then links with Spain’s premier hip hop-soul beatmakers Cookin’ Soul on “El Ying y El Yang” for a smooth, chronic-ready vibe that evokes Rick Ross’ Maybach Music projects.
“Purgatorio,” meanwhile, showcases most literally the essence of being Between Heaven and Hell. AC3 handles the track’s melancholy production, while Kaydy raps lines like, “Soy el demonio de Cristo/Abel me dijo que no quiso” and “Mi madre me perdona pero yo no puedo,” further playing into the Christian imagery present throughout the tape. At six tracks long, the project both plays into the idea of atoning before it’s too late and rejecting traditional religious influences.
In true prolific PXXR GVNG fashion, this is not the only project Kaydy Cain has been busy with. “Ride,” released just earlier this week, is produced by AC3 and features both the producer (embodying vibes similar to Finesse Records star Jesse Baez) and Marko Italia. That more soulful track is set to appear on Kaydy Cain and AC3’s forthcoming Trap ND Blues mixtape.