In the wake of the full moon, the brilliantly talented Grim Logick and iLLLogick have released Cipher Chronicles: The Network Archives – an original album of ten tracks, featuring some of their regular collaborators, and bringing to life their sonic universe in a robust and personal way. Having featured some of his previous singles, we couldn’t wait to share our listening experience!
The album opens with The Network Archives featuring C1PH3R-IO. A static noise immerses us along with the words, “system boot sequence initiated, location: Ascension Parish, Louisiana” in December 2024. The spoken word introduction teases the collaborative nature of the incoming opus, it is cinematic and subversive with guitar and cello, plus glitched drums for cinematic flair. The message is a commentary on the music industry and the algorithm. We learn that C1PH3R-IO is the network’s memory. She confirms how the mainstream was corrupted and hacked by the industry’s norm. It is a genius setup and we are ready for the injection of the network’s venom which leads us to a cerebral moment to close the track.
Next up is the track Stranded which opens with a prophetic and pitched spoken word introduction and an orchestral arrangement. The prose is introspective and empowering at the same time. It feels like a reflection on the artists’ reality – again, which brings to life this message. The delivery is high octane and intelligently written. Poetic prowess and a high emotional quotient are at the core of Grim Logick and iLLLogick‘s artistry, and Stranded is a brilliant reflection of this. The strings arrangement delivers a cinematic allure, it is truly a pleasure to experience. Stranded deep dives into feelings of isolation, mental turmoil and betrayal. It depicts the struggle to stay grounded amidst the chaos, in turn, blending vulnerability with defiance.
Next up is Falling Apart featuring both Hollow Logick and C1PH3R-IO, again this opens with a brooding piano performance, haunting, and intertwined with an incredible orchestral energy. The emotive vibes that transmute are tangible and we appreciate the clarity of the mix, as well as the depth of the message. The lyricism is raw and real, poignant and authentic. The hook, “Feel like I’m falling apart, putting it all in my art, market to target the charts, heartless their guarded remarks, playing with me isn’t smart, diminish my light with your dark, suspended from heights blended just right, tryna get back to the start, really let’s get to the heart…” is pure genius.
This leads us to Sands of Time. Again with precision-based flow and a luscious piano and strings soundscape, the track reflects on the struggle against time, self-doubt and one’s inner chaos, whilst searching for notions of meaning and legacy.
Using the metaphor of an hourglass and shifting sands, the song explores the fleeting and fragile nature of life. It is about how personal battles, pain, and memories shape identity but often fade unless they leave a lasting impact. The flow speed rivals Twista, and is truly mind blowing. All in all, it’s a meditation on perseverance amidst turmoil, and the desire to rise above self-destruction to create something enduring.
We then experience an interlude Archives Update from C1PH3R-IO which brings us to October 2025. We learn that C1PH3R-IO has continued to observe the creators for the last 10 months. She references Sands of Time, but notices an anomaly. She expected the artists not to survive, but the probability of survival has increased. She says, “They’re turning isolation into infrastructure…. The engineered a cure from their conditions…”. This notes that their art is catharsis and repurposed their pain, and how the underground revolution has begun. They are ready to make the mainframe pay.
The next track is Network Venom which lyrically explains how the creators have broken their chains. We love the choral child-like vocals and the commentary in the prose on the industry. It serves as a fierce rebellion against the corruption and control of the mainstream music industry and societal systems.
The song channels rage, resilience and unity. The creators are digital revolutionaries “hacking the mainframe”. They are tearing down profit-driven networks that exploit artists and suppress authenticity. Through sharp metaphors of venom, viruses and code, the lyrics express frustration with exploitation, addiction, and struggle, while emphasizing self-reliance, creative integrity and collective empowerment.
This brings us to Empowered which opens with an incredible strings performance and dramatic energy. Continuing the narrative, Empowered is about battling isolation, rejection and self-doubt whilst refusing to conform to a corrupt system. It manifests as a defiant declaration of inner strength. The artists find power not in fame or faith, but in authenticity.
System Failure has a sublime soundscape and spoken word introduction. We love the presence of C1PH3R-IO as she adds an incredible harmony to the chorus. The production is out of this world. It really cements how much this album should be celebrated. Lyrically, it is a raw reflection on exhaustion, disillusionment and the pain that comes with fighting against a broken system.
It questions whether the struggle for recognition and authenticity is worth the toll it takes. It is emotive and clever. It shows how hard the artists work, and the commentary on the system is relatable to anyone who is experiencing the same. The lyrics are conscious and also educational. We can only hope that the music industry hears this.
Revolution opens with C1PH3R-IO, but truly this is a manifestation message. She comments on how the creators survived and infiltrated. A complete rewrite. The network isn’t underground, because there is no underground or mainstream, only a new system. This message is powerful and empowering. She says, “You cannot encrypt against truth…” As C1PH3R-IO shares her emotive vocal riffs, we feel our skin rise, in solidarity with Grim Logick, iLLLogick, and Hollow Logick. In solidarity with their resistance and songwriting.
The final track is Remember The Name building on the concept of what 3NIGMABREDMUSIC is really about. Her flow is incredible. It is the first time we hear her rap! It is a manifesto that presents it as a movement rather than a traditional record label.
The song rejects the exploitative norms of the music industry. It offers a community built on authenticity, empowerment and creative freedom, and lays out the mission to provide real support, education and connection.
Overall, the quality of the record is incredible. The album blends raw human storytelling with innovative AI tools, but not as shortcuts, instead as instruments of accessibility and independence. Any artist would be lucky to collaborate and work with 3NIGMABREDMUSIC, as the emotional intelligence and sonic output are simply incredible. We are grateful to have experienced the album and cannot wait to hear more from Grim Logick, and iLLLogick.
Grim says “We’re not rapping about success we already achieved or fantasizing about future victories. We’re documenting the actual construction, brick by brick, failure by failure, breakthrough by breakthrough.”
Naturally, have added the releases to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist, in the coming days, and you can stream and download via Bandcamp.