Rise Up.

Exclusive Premiere: Lift Off With Picnictyme and Sam Lao.

If it feels like we've been waiting a while for the debut solo LP from local rapper and producer Picnictyme it's because, well, we kinda have been.

It's not because the man born Richard Escobedo hasn't been busy, though. Not at all: Between his work as a producer (he was the sole creative force, you may recall, behind the beats on the powerhouse album that was A.Dd+'s 2011 powerhouse When Pigs Fly release), as a member of Erykah Badu's Cannabinoids collective and as one-half of the party-ready Dallas dance duo Booty Fade (along with DJ Sober), his time's been taken up quite nicely, thanks.

When it comes to his own material, though, Picnic's just a noted perfectionist is all. That's why he's been holding off on his upcoming Sea Monsters LP for so long. And it's why he's releasing today yet another new track from his back pocket to tease the soon-to-come — yes, he promises this time — release.

The song, a collaboration with local rap darling Sam Lao called “Lift Off,” stands as yet another drop in Picnic's Sirens bucket that's meant to prelude Sea Monsters. It's an undoubtedly alluring listen — one that deftly combines Picnic's own R&B-leaning sensibilities with Lao's hidden talents of the same vein.

Below, check out the exclusive premiere of the track, which Picnictyme's been kind enough to share with us. Then wonder aloud to yourself: If this is the kind of stuff that's not making Sea Monsters' cut, how promising is the album itself looking?

“Lift Off” cover art by Ronnie Heart. Cover photo by Jeremy Biggers.