The
best decision I’ve ever made is to put my support and patronage behind the
movement known as #NewGA. It’s one of those choices that keeps paying
dividends.
Thus
far I’ve heard the soulful sounds of India Catrice as her voice dances over the
maestro and the music.
I
am well acquainted with Barz Bamu and TrailBlazzor Muzik, that amazing duo of
brethren known as the Fly Mind Poets. On (or rather in) everything they bring a
higher prospective and a depth that cannot be matched by many indie or
mainstream artists. Even as I write this I’m humming “Scholarship Problems” and
“Sink In”.
I
got acquainted with the sounds and delivery of South Johansson, making sure
that I first shamed the devil immediately after I told the truth.
And
then there is the ever trill, ever honest, ever amazing iBeast. Since the
release of Pimp Said So: The 1st Supper, I have been an avid
listener. Each project that comes from him [iBeast] has been better than the
one before it, a feat not many artists can claim. Not only can iBeast claim it,
he can revel in it. You can see the advancement and the addition of more and
more to his tool chest.
This
leads us to Steady Comin’ Up, the first album. This one is unique in the sense
that it’s a purchase only album. Having purchased some paraphernalia in the
form of a dope and truly comfortable hoodie emblazoned with the emblem
associated with the album. Based purely on the merchandise I knew I was in for
something utterly special.
And
I wasn’t not disappointed.
I
preface this review by saying this overview of the album took me a month to get
finished with. A small part of this was my hectic schedule. The biggest part of
this was that I was riding with the music in order to take in this project.
Steady
Comin’ Up is a cohesive set of music. I didn’t get the deluxe edition with the
bonus track but I did study over the twelve tracks and singled out a few of my
favorites. So let us get into them.
“Out
The Mudd” strikes me first with the horn heavy production. The trumpet plays
like a refrain as iBeast begins his swanging over the beat. Something in his
delivery and words is entrancing, telling a better story than a wordsmith such
as myself ever could.
“32oz”
is probably one of my favorites on the whole album. The intro of the track
draws you in instantly, making your body move (particularly a nodding of the
head) whether you were ready for it or not. This one achieves the perfect
balance between party track and great riding music. Being that I’ve done both
to this one I am an expert on it. T-Polk comes through on an equally infectious
verse that sets this one apart from anything else I’ve heard in a minute. One
thing I can say is that it has that perfect Texas vibe.
“I’d
Rather Be Hawg’n” feels like an honest heart to heart over decidedly great
production. Not a lot of artists can pull that off but then again, iBeast isn’t
like a lot of artists. The message or rather the theme of this one is a
diatribe against fake niggas. Here he [iBeast] would rather ‘hawg’n’ than to
bothered with any of the bullshit.
A
surprise favorite for me was “Vogue Tires”. Before this project I had never
heard any of Aniyla’s vocals.
And
now?
I’m
a fan. The track starts out with what sounds like a harp or some serene
sounding stringed instrumentation and the angelic voice of Aniyla on the hook.
iBeast plays counterpoint with his timbre and his unique delivery. This is the
epitome of the riding song. I remember having my headphones as I rode home from
work, this track cranked up. In a moment of listening I-20 disappeared and
there was only the ride.
I’d
also suggest “Fast Fwd” featuring the ever amazing South Johansson as well as
“Yea Whatever” with an appearance by India Catrice.
Steady
Comin’ Up. Yeah, the name first perfectly…
