After a 13-year hiatus, Ann Arbor’s hip-hop collective Tree City has made a stunning return with their new album Pure Levels, released late last year. The album marks their first collection of new material since 2010’s Thus Far, reflecting the group’s personal evolution and artistic maturation over more than a decade.
“We wanted to release it when it was something truly timeless, not just good enough,” said Evan “Clavius Crates” Haywood, an MC and producer for the group. “This album is a time capsule of our growth, both as individuals and as a collective.”
Pure Levels brings together the four original Tree City MCs—Clavius Crates, Silas Green, DJ Cataclysmic, and Cheeks—who reflect on themes ranging from personal struggles like broken relationships and aging family members to broader societal issues such as systemic injustice and capitalism. The album’s sci-fi-inspired beats, crafted by producer Michael Dykehouse and others, pair perfectly with the group’s candid, thought-provoking lyrics.
As DJ Cataclysmic, Jacoby Simmons, reflects, “We always believed in ourselves as rappers, but working on these songs, we realized we’re really good at what we do.”
At its core, Pure Levels blends space-themed wordplay with deep introspection, exploring the intersection of fantastical elements and real-world challenges. “Space represents growth and expansion, pushing boundaries and challenging yourself,” explained Kyle Hunter (Silas Green), now based in Houston.
The 15-track album invites listeners to embark on a journey through both the cosmos and the complexities of everyday life, showcasing Tree City’s growth as artists and their continued belief in their craft.
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