Music Review: Wordburglar, Rapplicable Skills

By Tyler Hodg

Rather than indulge in generic, mainstream topics and themes of current day hip-hop, Wordburglar has chosen to write about subjects much more close to home—like hockey players, Canadian issues, and video games—with conviction and humor. But don’t get him wrong, Wordburglar is far from a joke.

On his latest release, Wordburglar (a.k.a. Sean Volpe) has unleashed 15 hard-hitting, nerd-inspired tracks in a nice package called Rapplicable Skills. But this isn’t his first rodeo, as this album is the fourth full-length effort from the underground rapper. Wordbuglar’s signature wit and charm have remained untouched and are even amplified this time around.

Wordburglar must be a proud Canadian, as multiple songs include lines about the maple syrup-drinking, polar bear-riding country. From the line “You can’t ignore the facts / Like Rob Ford on crack’” (“Boombaparang”) to “It’s a win, win / Like the Ontario election” (“Word the Frig Up”), the songs featured on Rapplicable Skills are littered with references to the ol’ red and white. Easily the best reference to Canada is the line “I’ll put you out of work like actors in Saskatchewan / After Corner Gas is gone,” found in the fantastic “Word Currency”. There is even an entire song dedicated to Wordburglar’s hometown of Halifax in which he gives shout-outs to local areas and businesses that hold a special place in his heart. Oh, Canada!

One song that is sure to stir up some nostalgia for all you 1980s kids is “Narc Hi-score [In Nintendo Power],” a track about the classic video game of the same title. Not only is Wordburglar a massive fan of the 1988 NES game, he actually describes the story about how he achieved a high score and was published in Nintendo Power magazine (RIP). This tale is in fact, true, which adds to its awesomeness. Not only is “Narc Hi-Score [In Nintendo Power]” a satisfying song and story, it also makes you want to fire up your old system and play. Win, win.*

More often than not, long albums become tiresome and monotonous due to filler tracks and the overall commitment factor. So where does Rapplicable Skills land on the spectrum? Thankfully, we’re all in luck. Listening to the album from start to finish isn’t a task, it’s a treat. Every single song can be appreciated individually and firmly stand its ground, which is impressive considering that meant that Wordburglar had to put equal time and attention into all 15 tracks. His passion for his music is as evident as his talent as a lyricist and rapper—and that’s saying a lot.

Wordburglar has achieved a high score with Rapplicable Skills. Its humorous nature is the first thing that grabs you, but its intelligence and flow makes you want to stay with it. Everybody from the beat-makers (shout out to Beatmason, Savilion, Ghettosocks, Fresh Kils, Milk Plus, Timbuktu, and Peter Project), guest appearances, and Wordburglar himself created top-notch work that cannot easily be ignored. Rapplicable Skills is worthy of being the soundtrack to any occasion, and is nothing short of brilliant.

*Like the Ontario election.

Rapplicable Skills will be released on August 28.