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Who is Ron Contour? Is he Moka Only, a mainstay of the Canadian hip-hop scene? Is he even Canadian? We can’t be entirely sure, but what we do know is that Ron enjoys some of the finer things in life (food, women, vintage clothing) and his latest and greatest collaboration with producer Factor is the perfect introduction to his world of debauchery and snacking. Ron Contour, teaming up with Saskatoon-based producer Factor, deliver Saffron, an eccentric but devilishly satisfying record that presents a relaxed and vibey record that is impossible not to indulge in.

The story of Ron Contour and Moka’s relationship is an important one. Ron’s first release in 1999 was masterminded by Moka and was actually billed as Moka Only IS Ron Contour. Moka did this as a devious way to break Ron Contour into the rap world so he could indulge in those “finer things” Ron holds so dear to his heart. The album came out to critical acclaim although there was some confusion as to whether or not it was really Moka on the album. After 2000 Ron Contour dropped out of the scene altogether to pursue girls and beekeeping. Women found him tolerable and while many would consider this a foolish move, to hear some of the beats and rhymes on Saffron, you’d understand that Ron works on a totally different level. In 2007 Ron approached Moka about getting back into the rapping industry and his new release showcases the peculiar rapper’s triumphant return to the world of hip-hop.

Unabashedly low-key, Saffron is an album for late-nights and rainy afternoons alike. Tracks like “Prairie Wind” swoon with a tripped out groove that haunts as much as it encourages elevation. “Wondrous” uses some enticing sampling while highlighting Ron’s casual manner of luring listeners into his intense headspace. And “Confused Nougat” kicks things up a notch with vintage beats while still providing some of Contour’s hilariously bewildering lyrics. Laced with Factor’s signature drums and psychedelic funk, Saffron is not to be taken lightly.

With over 40 albums, both solo and collaborative under his vintage belt, he has been a contributing member of numerous groups and collectives, and has worked with underground hip-hop heroes including J Dilla, MF Doom, Buck 65, K-Os, and Aceyalone. While listeners can’t be too sure exactly who Ron Contour is, one thing is for certain: a legend has returned, and with Saffron, Ron Contour won’t be disappearing anytime soon.