Nickelus F – Vices (The SHHO)
Vices are sort of a funny thing. It’s kind of an ambiguous term–meaning anything from a box of chocolates to get through the work day to the hardest of drugs. Yes, they’re considered a flaw, but a natural one nonetheless. And if it’s true that everyone’s got one, then it’s not really having one we’re concerned about, but rather what they say about someone’s story.
Nickelus F – Vices (The SHHO)
Vices are sort of a funny thing. It’s kind of an ambiguous term–meaning anything from a box of chocolates to get through the work day to the hardest of drugs. Yes, they’re considered a flaw, but a natural one nonetheless. And if it’s true that everyone’s got one, then it’s not really having one we’re concerned about, but rather what they say about someone’s story.
Nickelus F is quite comfortable with sharing his. The prelude’s been spoken around the streets of Richmond for years, but this album isn’t really about that. Sure, everyone likes to relive his Freestyle Friday run, the years he spent with Drake before the Young Money star became a household name–hell, even the recognition of the “top five unsigned” lists he pops up on in the blogosphere every once in a while. But what most forget about the hometown hero is that he’s human, with the same thoughts, emotions, and flaws just like anyone else. This album is Nick being Nick–taking the time to sit everyone down and let them know what’s really been going on lately.
Vices begins with a landscape lost in a saturated state, transitioning into a dark, yet oddly smooth and sweet tone. It gives a feeling of something that’s been frustratingly repeated over and over again, ready to be let out like an unexpected phone call from a close friend at 2 am. Throughout the piece, Nick keeps the tone conversational. Furthermore, every song tends to tell a different story–from “Beast of Burden,” an introduction to the pitfalls cursed upon us, which then transitions into “My Convo,” an ode to the internal talks about why we all need a little something to get through the day.
From there, Vices reveals the twists and turns that make Nick who he is. He lays all his flaws on the table without any reservations or pleas for sympathy. This is the core element that makes these songs add up to a story–the ability to leave oneself out of the conversation so the listener can make their own decisions. Some first time listeners might vibe to it–some may not. But when the everyone else’s expectations are set even higher than normally, the prelude should at least be taken into consideration.
I’d be willing to bet there’s not a story in the world identical to Nick’s. Despite not reaching the national level of recognition many feel he deserves, he’s still your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. His wordplay, storytelling, cadences, and concepts all meld to make him one of the undisputed best at his craft. And yet, this is common knowledge. What isn’t known is the baggage that comes with it all. That’s what this album is about. It’s more than just a story: it’s a concept, with all the songs separately relaying the fact that, whether you’re a single mom, a successful lawyer, or a small time hustler–whatever the case may be, we all need a little something to make it through.
