[REVIEW] The Smoke Clears as Lord Apex Ends an Era

★★★★

Lord Apex ends the Smoke Sessions saga on an effortless yet timeless, hazy high.

Over the past few years, Lord Apex has quietly built a reputation as one of the UK’s most intriguing underground rappers. Born and raised in West London, Apex stands apart from the more familiar lanes of UK rap, he doesn’t lean on drill or grime. Instead, he’s crafted his own niche; a lo-fi, deeply introspective sound that nods to the golden era of ’90s New York hip-hop while staying rooted in his London perspective. His Smoke Sessions series has become a cult staple, evolving with each release and steadily amplifying his influence. Now, he brings us Smoke Sessions 4 (SSV4), bringing the saga to a close. 

For me, and surely you, Lord Apex has always been a familiar name. Popping up on tracks and in conversation. From ones I’ve had on repeat, like Finn Foxell’s Bounce, Vegyn’s ‘the sensei knows the trix’, and his own ‘Smokers Lounge’ with BONES, his voice has always caught my attention. However, admittedly, SSV4 is the first time I’ve properly sat with a full project of his. He’s been sitting on my to-listen list for longer than I’d like to admit. Nevertheless, SSV4 is a 16-track album filled with wise lyricism, laid-back production, and a calm, grounded sound that sits somewhere between London and New York.

Defying comparison, there’s no real artist or sound quite like Lord Apex. He brings something distinct to the UK rap scene, standing out as one of the strongest forces in the ongoing evolution of UK hip-hop. His style doesn’t fall into the more familiar subgenres of UK rap, instead, with his lo-fi production and philosophical lyricism, Lord Apex operates in his own lane. The 90’s hip-hop influences echo throughout SSV4, with boom-bap drums, dusty textures, and soulful samples forming the backbone of the project. While the album is rich in atmosphere and tone, I feel it does start to get repetitive, especially towards the tail end. With little variation, some tracks begin to melt into each other. Considering its slow and hazy pace, a shorter, even 12-track album may have delivered a stronger overall impact. 

A few standout tracks from SSV4 will definitely be making it onto my playlists, with ‘Vision’ being an early favourite. Produced by Hugo Chegwin, the track incites excitement and inspiration, both in its beat and Apex’s verses. It features some of my favourite production on the album, managing to stay true to the project's hazy, laid-back atmosphere while sounding both forward-thinking and like an old school classic simultaneously. On first listen, ‘M.I.A’ stood out as my favourite. Led by a beautifully hypnotic guitar, the track pulls listeners into a trance. Apex’s intentional, gripping lyricism commands attention, while the relaxed groove and catchy hook make it impossible not to nod along or click your fingers to the beat. It makes sense as to why ‘EM4’ was chosen as the lead up single. It’s catchy and immediately replayable. It also urged me to check out the accompanying visual, which perfectly captures Lord Apex’s brand, relaxed and effortlessly cool. Directed by Shammond Shorter and Udai, the video's vintage grade and timeless aesthetic align flawlessly with the sound of the track. 

Apex’s delivery is like no other. There is something unmistakable about it, with his powerful lyrics coming across with such ease you’re pulled in instantly. The production never overshadows him, instead it gives his words the perfect space. A sound made for late nights and introspective moments, this release lands at just the right time, a soundtrack for the final stretch of the year. While not full of high energy tracks, the album suits relaxed listening, deep thinking or serves as the perfect inspiration for creative work. 

With Smoke Sessions Vol. 4, Lord Apex closes a chapter in his discography but also cements himself as a vital, evolving voice in UK rap. Even in its hazy repetition, there’s a sense of purpose. Apex has built a world, one that feels lived in, reflective, and true to him, and if this is where the series ends, it ends on a note that feels timeless.