Description
10TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR'S EDITION COMPACT DISC
Released in 2016 after years of anticipation, Lead Poison stands as Detroit lyricist Elzhi’s most vulnerable and rewarding album. Known for his razor-sharp wordplay and elite penmanship, the former Slum Village emcee fought through a heavy cloud of depression and writer’s block to complete the record, ultimately delivering a project that balances lyrical brilliance with raw emotional honesty.
The 16-track album finds Elzhi navigating self-doubt, isolation, and resilience while reaffirming his status as one of hip-hop’s most gifted writers. Standout singles include “Alienated,” a haunting meditation on loneliness featuring Smitty Soul; “Two 16’s,” a hard-hitting display of lyrical dexterity produced by Karriem Riggins; and “February,” the reflective 14kt-produced cut that quickly became a fan favorite.
Elsewhere, Nick Speed supplies the brooding backdrop for “Medicine Man,” Quelle Chris delivers the off-kilter production on “Egocentric,” and Bombay—who helms six of the album’s tracks—provides the moody canvas for “Introverted,” a centerpiece of the record’s intimate tone. Additional production comes courtesy of Oh No, Soledad Brother, Joself, and Agor, rounding out a soundscape as layered as the subject matter itself.
With sparse guest features, the spotlight remains firmly on Elzhi, whose storytelling and cadence guide listeners through themes of pain, perseverance, and personal growth.
Lead Poison returns on CD for the first time in celebration of its 10th anniversary. Released by Coalmine Reissues in partnership with GLOW365 LLC, this edition features a reimagined cover and layout.
Tracklist:
01. Medicine Man
02. Introverted
03. Weedipedia
04. February
05. Egocentric
06. Two 16’s
07. Hello!!!
08. Friendzone
09. The Healing Progress
10. Cloud
11. Alienated (feat. Smitty Soul)
12. She Sucks (feat. Chris Dave)
13. Co Sign (feat. Skonie)
14. Misright
15. The Turning Point
16. Keep Dreaming
Album Specs:
This Collector’s Edition CD reissue marks the first-ever CD pressing of Lead Poison, arriving in time for the album’s 10th anniversary. Remastered by D-Sane at Digital Age Sound and glass mastered for optimal sound quality, it is housed in a jewel case with a 4-panel insert and silkscreened CD faces, featuring a reimagined cover and layout by Jelle Smid, based on c.BARR’s original artwork. The inverted cover sits against a black background, with the signature raining pencils reworked in bold yellow. Limited to 200 copies worldwide.
Critical Praise:
“Elzhi's attempt to channel his inner poisons into the 16-track LP breeds some heavy-hearted, yet undeniably moving gems.” -Exclaim!
“Elzhi’s a writer down to his core and Lead Poison arguably is his best manuscript to date.” -Soul In Stereo
