After a four-year silence, Polish hip-hop veteran Ten Typ Mes, real name Piotr Szmidt, crashes back onto the scene with 'BUKOWSKI', an album that’s more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a sonic reckoning.
Landing exactly 20 years after his solo debut, ‘Zapiski typa’, this fourteenth studio project is a reflective and raw return to form for one of Poland’s most consistent and charismatic rappers. Having spent over two decades shaping his own path, from co-founding groups like Flexxip and 2cztery7 to a celebrated solo career, Szmidt’s commitment to "storytelling, honesty, and a certain grit" has never wavered, and ‘BUKOWSKI’ delivers that mantra in spades.
The album title, a nod to the iconic poet Charles Bukowski, immediately signals a thematic focus on unflinching sincerity, self-reflection, and perhaps a touch of cynical humour. Musically, Mes leans into his experience as a beatmaker while embracing a wide-ranging sound palette, blending classic influences with modern production flair. The high-quality sound is guaranteed by the involvement of seasoned producers Magiera and Worst Case, who lend the project a fresh, diverse, and impeccably crafted foundation.
Cuts like ‘Idę na jazz’ nod clearly to the golden era of '90s hip-hop with a jazz rap atmosphere, demonstrating a deep respect for his origins. Yet, this is no mere nostalgia trip. The album successfully builds a symbolic bridge between the past and present, addressing contemporary sensibilities with the maturity of an artist who has truly lived. Mes’s signature delivery, filled with irony and insight into the modern world, ensures that the content remains captivating.
As he puts it, “It’s more than just another record—it’s a reflection. The album marks a return to form and roots for Mes after a long personal and artistic journey. The lyrical depth here is palpable, tackling inter-personal relationships, poignant memories, and sharp social commentary, proving that Mes has taken to heart his earlier observation that "the biggest threat to Polish music is the lack of content."
While it retains the authentic, slightly off-kilter, and philosophical edge of the Warsaw veteran, the album shows Mes is comfortable proving nothing to anyone. ‘BUKOWSKI's is a layered, honest, and essential listen that will resonate both with loyal fans and newcomers ready for some quality, uncompromising rap.
You can stream the new album above, and for more, be sure to connect with Ten Typ Mes on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
