Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment, 'Surf'

Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment, 'Surf'

Though many would count this as the long-awaited debut album from 2014 XXL Freshman Chance the Rapper, Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment’s Surf is most definitely not a one-man show. With a surprising array of hidden guest features (Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes and Migos’ Quavo all on the same album?) and Donnie Trumpet’s commanding jazz solos, the internet’s most “accessible superhero” shares playing time with his longtime friends and bandmates for an organic smorgasbord of music. With Surf serving as SoX’s first album, getting to know the band’s style is part of the fun. From a marching band anthem like “Slip Slide” to the funny, self-help sense of “Wanna Be Cool” to the chill, close quarters vibe of “Warm Enough” and “Rememory,” Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment aim to make you feel young, optimistic and, above all else, entertained. And they succeed almost effortlessly.