title: Martin Lucid Dream
text: # Martin Lucid Dream
  
  Martin Lucid Dream is the second extended play by American rapper and producer Denmark Vessey. Composed of eight tracks, it was released on October 9, 2015 via Rappers I Know, and re-released in 2017 with two bonus tracks. Production was handled by Azarias, T-White, Exile and Denmark himself. It features guest appearances from Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, MosEL, Stretch Money, and Tanya Morgan.
  
  ## Music and lyrics
  
  Throughout the EP, Denmark Vessey addresses the ups and downs of his absurd life with a keen sense of humor. The tone of Martin Lucid Dream is exemplified by the song "Think Happy Thoughts." It is an introspective look at the challenges of life, united by a positive-thinking mantra Vessey inherited from his mother and late grandmother. The track contains soothing vocal harmonies and guitar strums provided by Exile. It gives way to a comedic church skit and then the disjointed string arrangements of "Keep Your Hoes In Check," where Vessey contemplates both deep and shallow questions.
  
  ## Release and promotion
  
  Denmark released a music video for Exile-produced track "Think Happy Thoughts" directed by Jeremy Ian Thomas on July 6, 2016.
  
  ## Critical reception
  
  Rolling Stone magazine ranked the extended play at number 34 of their list of the 40 Best Rap Albums of 2015.
  
  ## Personnel
  
  * Aleksander Manfredi – additional producer
  * Azarias – additional producer
  * Byron Simpson – featured artist
  * Curtis Cross – featured artist
  * Damien Randle – executive producer, additional mixing
  * Denmark Vessey – main artist, executive producer, producer
  * Devon Callender – featured artist
  * Donald Freeman – featured artist
  * Doug Saltzman – mixing, mastering
  * Frank William Miller Junior – creative direction, design, executive producer
  * Mosel – featured artist
  * Stretch Money – featured artist
  * Tyler T-White – additional producer
  * Thebe Kgositsile – producer
  