Olivier Laurent is a rising talent from Amityville, NY. His parents migrated from Haiti to New York in the early 80’s. They had major impact on his musical influence. His mother enrolled him in piano lessons at a very young age as well as the trumpet. In 2012 he decided to pursue a career in hip hop. Olivier was connected to Kaeson Skrilla, a protege of the late Jam Master Jay. Kaeson played a major role in teaching Olivier the intricacies of song making and also the history of hip-hop.

Ten years in the progression of his music is quite impressive. He has as an eclectic sound featuring; boom-bap, Afro-beats, and a strong 90’s influence. He just formed a home care agency that helps individuals that suffer from traumatic brain injury. Olivier supports his community through sociopolitical discourse and civic engagement. His new album “Lavi Bon” has seen critical acclaim throughout."

If there's a single word to describe all the emotions that highly-acclaimed piece of musical art "Lavi Bon" brings out of you... It could not be written manually. It must be shown emotionally.

Magnificently striking, audibly carved diamond by indigenous Olivier Laurent will take your breath away from the very first verse.

Opening his glorifying masterpiece, Olivier shuts-open his heart with sharp hits reflecting on reality of his life, the struggles and the burden he proudly carries...

"For a Long Time" talks about excitement of taking the chance to submit his side of life story, explaining constant fight throughout growing up and resting his fate in God: ".... Lord I'm risking a lot, knowing that all the work, won't promise me anything, but please give me a shot, please pass me the rock, please pass me the keys, You know that I got the drive, I need you to believe in me..."

This is how the "Lavi Bon" opens. The sadness and valiant notes coming out at once, print Olivier's mellow, possessing voice that keeps you sucked in, visualising every told moment so vibrantly, your heart skips a beat every 3 seconds.

While at the beat, the background of Olivier's "good life" journey is painted with layers of dynamic, yet original sounds. Mixture of transposed samples and vocalising with thick bottom, clear midrange and wide high-shelf imaging,  bring the simplicity of perfection, a recognisable arrangement that you haven't heard anywhere.

There's an old school vibe in the air, filled with modern stamp of today's real O.G. Hip Hop.

How O. Laurent switches the flow of "Lavi Bon" from single to single, makes you feel like being in enchanted forest.

There is too much magic in the ether and you are Alice in this Wonderful land, slowly feeling your lungs with curiosity and inspiration with every new inhale, inch by inch, bit by bit.

"Lavi Bon" shines through various emotional frequency spectrum: from dark allies to everyday small basic troubles ("Sometimes"), to funny, adorably seductive storylines ("Discounted Grammy") and romantic flushes like in "Amaria's Interlude".

The 8-track piece finishes off with "Put The Bottle Down" which blends into "Hangover",  the reminiscing chapters, fading out in its own stylish name "Lavi Bon". "Tell me what you wanna hear, babe, tell me what you wanna do, babe" chorus takes the brakes and puts an interesting full stop to Olivier's LP.

Relaxing sound motions with a sip of latin reaggeton accents and Mexican brass accompaniment seals the goodness that comes out of this majestic collaborative musical extravagance.

There is no doubt that most of the album's tracks will end up stuck on your loop button, like they should.

Being truly thankful for having the chance to be blessed by such an outstanding piece of art.

Olivier Laurent's "Lavi Bon", attracts, touches and moves from a dead spot.

So...Don't think about it. Feel about it.

Words: Cookbeat @cookbeat