Album Review Kardinal Offishall - Firestarter Vol 2: Everyday, Sometimes… open.spotify.com/album/0rszw… @KardinalO is a long standing veteran in Hip-Hop and one of Canadas earliest and biggest international ambassadors for the genre for a long time. Well after a 10+ year break from dropping an album, Kardinal Offishall is back with Firestarter Vol 2: Everyday, Sometimes… A 25 year follow-up to his album Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1. It’s an album that brings a classic feel which I can appreciate, let’s talk about it! Most reading this probably know Kardinal Offishall but briefly I’ll remind folks that his music often blends Hip-Hop, Reggae & Dance Hall together, and Firestarter Vol 2: Everyday, Sometimes… is no different. When I say Kardinal brings a classic feel, what I mean is he’s bringing us back to another era. One where you could make popular mainstream music, and it was actually easily & widely consumable. No mumbling, no crazy production trying to be out of the box, no autotune. It’s music that has wide appeal and still brings a consistent quality. A music style that 20 years ago I would have been more mixed on, but I miss in 2026. There’s still some songs that are less for me like All Nighter & Kiss Me When I, but Kardinal Offishalls talent shines through still. Firestarter Vol 2: Everyday, Sometimes… starts off strong with the first few songs. Heavy is the Head is a stadium song that has Kardinal Offishall reflecting on where he came from to where he is now. Followed by 40 Acres And A Ferrari with Black Thought & Stove God Cooks. I’ve been mixed on some recent Stove hooks even as a big fan but this one was great and 40 Acres is a standout track. What I love is what I previously mentioned, Kardinal Offishalls Reggae & Dance Hall roots. Songs like My Brothers Keeper, Where There’s Smoke, Top 3 & Bombay Sunsets. The last two feature Idris Elba suprisingly who absolutely knocks his features out of the park. Throughout the album Kardinal is spitting heat and the last track Everyday, Sometimes has him getting personal to end the album. After 11 years away, Kardinal Offishall returned like he’d never left. The music sounds modern and fresh while staying true to himself. He even got Cipher Sounds in the mix a little for the throwback there. Don’t get gassed! If you’re into the genre blending I mentioned then check out Firestarter Vol 2: Everyday, Sometimes…, there’s going to be something you’ll like for sure.