For more than two decades, MC Lars has built a career on turning literature, history, and geek culture into clever, infectious hip-hop. With The Edgar Allan Poe LP, released through Oglio Records on digital and CD, he takes perhaps his most ambitious literary dive yet, crafting a full-length concept album inspired by the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe.
At its core, The Edgar Allan Poe LP is exactly what longtime fans expect from MC Lars: witty lyricism, educational themes, and a genuine passion for storytelling. What makes this project stand out is how naturally Poe’s dark gothic atmosphere translates into Lars’ “lit-hop” formula. Rather than feeling like a history lesson set to beats, the album embraces the macabre humor, mystery, and tragedy that made Poe one of America’s most enduring authors.
The album opens with “Who Killed Edgar Allan Poe?” and immediately establishes a true-crime style framing device that runs throughout the record. From there, Lars explores Poe’s most famous stories and poems, including “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Black Cat,” and The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket; these tracks successfully modernize classic source material while retaining enough of the original themes to satisfy literature enthusiasts.
Musically, Lars avoids relying on a single sound. The production moves between traditional hip-hop beats, pop-punk influences, and quirky alternative arrangements. Collaborators including Rodney Anonymous, Schäffer the Darklord, Mega Ran, Christina Rotondo, and others help keep the album fresh across its substantial runtime. The expanded anniversary edition further sweetens the package with updated versions of tracks featuring Watt White, Bowling for Soup’s Jaret Reddick, and the Dead Milkmen, along with songs from Lars’ earlier Poe-themed releases.
One of the album’s biggest strengths is its accessibility. You don’t need a degree in literature to enjoy the record. Casual listeners can appreciate the humor, hooks, and energetic performances, while Poe fans will find countless references and Easter eggs woven into the lyrics. Lars has long excelled at making educational content entertaining, and The Edgar Allan Poe LP may be one of his most effective examples of that approach.
That said, the album’s concept-heavy nature may not appeal to everyone. Listeners seeking hard-edged contemporary rap or deeply personal songwriting may find the educational framework a bit limiting. Some tracks lean heavily into narrative exposition, occasionally slowing the momentum. But those moments are relatively minor complaints in a project whose primary goal is to celebrate literature through music.
Ultimately, The Edgar Allan Poe LP succeeds because it never feels cynical or gimmicky. MC Lars clearly loves both hip-hop and literature, and that enthusiasm powers every track. The result is a fun, inventive, and surprisingly engaging concept album that honors one of America’s greatest writers while remaining unmistakably MC Lars.
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Rating: 4.5/5 – The Edgar Allan Poe LP is a smart, entertaining celebration of Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy and another strong entry in MC Lars’ catalog. Whether you’re a hip-hop fan, a literature nerd, or both, this album offers a uniquely enjoyable experience that’s as educational as it is fun.
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