The old saying goes that good things come to those who wait, and that’s most certainly the truth when it comes to ‘The Speakeasy Experience,’ the highly anticipated new album from the Alexandria, VA native, Sheik Kargbo.

The multi-talented artist has been crafting this record for the past several years, and it’s clear that his hard work has paid off—and then some.

Through maintaining creative control over his project, Kargbo was able to put together a cohesive and well-rounded listening experience while also showcasing just how deep his talents run.

It’d be enough for him to be a gifted emcee and lyricist, but his skills as a producer are just as impressive.

That goes for whether he’s lacing the aptly titled “Sinister” with eerie instrumentation, flirting with Hip house on “The Breather,” or layering 2Pac samples into the stunning and powerful closer “Black Moor.”