cae is a unique kind of rap artist from Birmingham, Alabama, blending lo-fi elements with rap to create a sound that feels both nostalgic and modern. His latest album, “alt girl encounters,” seamlessly blends genres into something distinctly his own. Reminiscent of the early SoundCloud era, but with sharper, more refined production, cae’s music brings a sense of yearning back to rap. In the best way possible, “alt girl encounters” recalls the Myspace and Tumblr days, evoking a warm nostalgia for listeners.
One standout track, “dreamt abt u…,” instantly takes me back to opening my computer and heading straight to Tumblr. It reminds me of discovering art, photography, and the “underground” music that shaped my taste and why I love music the way I do today. The song’s quiet, staticky atmosphere carries a nostalgic, melancholy aura that’s rare in today’s music, especially in rap. Tracks like “ur my fav artist” capture that same bittersweet emotion, while “usexual–” delivers something grittier and harder-hitting. Its raw energy makes it especially memorable, showcasing that cae’s music delivers both emotional depth and catchy, fun-to-listen-to tracks.
All of “alt girl encounters” transports listeners back to the “good old days,” making it especially resonant in an era where so many people seem to long for the past. The album taps into the same cultural nostalgia explored in films like “I Saw the TV Glow” and, more recently, “Backrooms,” both of which recreate the eerie comfort and emotional texture of early-2000s culture.
“alt girl encounters” fits perfectly alongside the current obsession with nostalgia-driven art. Its hazy production and internet-era aesthetic feel deeply connected to a generation raised on Tumblr, MySpace, and the internet when it was still something to discover.
“alt girl encounters” is out today, on all major music streaming platforms.
FOLLOW CAE