MOG Editorial Review

Cunninlynguists’ fifth studio release is named after the study of dreams, and the trio successfully carry the theme through both the album's lyrics and beats. Produced entirely by Kno, the top-notch soul samples flow seamlessly over surreal instrumentation that floats into a haunting, otherworldly territory at its best. “Predormitum,” (named after the moment just before sleep) sets the mood as the Kentucky emcees enter the REM cycle on “Darkness (Dream On).” When they stray from slumber the tracks remain conceptual, as on “Hard As They Come (Act I)” featuring newcomer Freddie Gibbs, where Kno personifies HIV, Gibbs takes on crack, and Natti plays the part of alcohol. Similarly, “Murder (Act II)” features Big K.R.I.T. acting as president while Natti embodies religious corruption. Cunninlynguists have long been respected for their witty wordplay and Oneirology does not break from that tradition while elevating their bigger ideas to a whole new level.