The story behind Blvck Svm’s michelinman is almost as exciting as the album itself. Inspired by his growing love for fine dining, the Chicago-based rapper born Benjamin Glover decided to take a risk: what if he made an album that captured the creativity and precision of a Michelin-starred tasting menu? The idea wasn’t just to rap about food, but to highlight how music and cuisine share a kind of artistry that deserves more attention.
To make it happen, Glover took his vision straight to the source. He reached out to some of the best chefs in the country, pitching them on the idea of filming music videos in their kitchens. A handful of them said yes and the “Bvck of House” video series was born. Each video shows Glover performing while chefs prep dishes and run their kitchens, from the calm focus at San Francisco’s Nisei to the high-energy hustle of Detroit’s Freya. The result is a perfect mashup of rap and culinary art. Watching chefs plate dishes and prep ingredients while Glover raps lines like “Soy sauce is only an option if flavor need to be borrowed” captures the shared precision between their crafts.
Standout tracks like “greymatter” and “mikaelstott” pair jazzy loops with Blvck Svm’s steady, monotone flow, giving the album a cool, understated vibe. On “greymatter,” he references Michelin-starred kitchens while Ralph Fiennes’ eerie monologue from The Menu plays in the background, adding an edge of theatricality to the lush production. The beats feel layered and intentional, like a dish where every ingredient has its place, while guest verses from Boldy James and Curren$y add depth to the mix. And while the food references (like mentions of otoro and miso) might seem niche, they’re delivered in a way that feels natural, not forced.
Overall, michelinman works because it feels personal. Blvck Svm’s love for food isn’t just a gimmick, it’s something he’s genuinely passionate about, and that comes through in every track. It’s not just a showcase of his lyrical dexterity and nuanced production choices, but a reminder of rap’s versatility as a medium for storytelling. By aligning himself with the artistry of fine dining, Glover elevates his music into a space that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. The result is an album that not only satisfies but leaves you eager for the next course.
Listen/buy: Apple Music | Spotify
