Polymath MC Wiley From Atlanta's "Shells On The Rug" is a soulful hip-hop gem

The opening bars of the track feel more like an experimental sound collage, with a chopped-up, sultry falsetto making way for the gruff chorus, which drops in along with distorted bass and wood block drum kit. It's an impressively original sound that continues to increase in scope as the hook breaks and Wiley delivers his soulful, in-the-pocket flow.

Supposedly the lyrics for "Shells On The Rug" draw inspiration from the volatile relationship of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. With that added tidbit of info, the song's meaning morphs from a lustful ballad into a vivid account of a toxic relationship, but still remains a startling sexy portrayal of addictive nature of love. "Every time I show up / you expect me to give my soul up" Wiley raps, dropping this deeply philosophical nugget after providing us with the steamy details, "Led in the holster / sex in the bed with your legs on my shoulders."

The lackadaisical way in which Wiley approaches his uncompromisingly original material often shows glimmers of genius. Given that this is only one of a few singles the young artist has released, comparisons to luminaries such as Andre 3000, King Krule and Mac De Marco don't seem too far off the mark.