The Real:
Albums like this are the reason I primary listen to independent music. Mic Marlow had me grinning from ear to ear with the very first line - "I ain't shit and don't nobody know me". You have to respect the honesty of a line like that! Overall this is a great album. The man touches every life topic from relationships to politics, and just when your brain is getting tired from the thoughts that his words are provoking - BAM! He sprinkles in some club bangers. Over all this is one of the most complete albums I have ever heard.
The Rhymes:
Mic's lyrical style is calm and focused; his affectation and word choice demand your attention. His delivery is very consistent with the exception of "What I Look Like Now" where he flips his mouth piece to fully auto and spits some rapid fire hotness. I appreciate the fact that he didn't overdo it with his style changes. So many others have ruined a perfectly good album by trying TOO hard to be versatile. Besides, who needs flash and versatility when you've conquered your style so masterfully? This dude knows what hes good at and sticks to it. Gotta respect it.
The First; The Last:
"I Ain't Shit" was a good time and the perfect opener for this album. It's one of those songs that forces you to dance around in the driver seat while smashing on the gas pedal. Lines like, "I ain't got no game, just charismatic" kept me cheesing threw the whole track. It grabbed my attention from the start and left me eager to hear more. (The next track was no disappointment.) Jumping to the end, the last track is definitely a good finale. "I Can't Kick the Habit" is a five and a half minute laid back weed song with several guest features. Everybody's verse was on point; talking about the stresses of life and using marijuana to calm your nerves. "When life don't know how to treat ya - grab your reefer" Makes sense to me!
The Grade: B+ | Play: ""Say Hi To 30" | Skip: "Outrageous"
