Evan Barlow – The Fix EP (iTunes)
Fast-rapping-ass Evan Barlow is back, and he hasn’t missed a beat! The Fix is different from his previous release, Trials and Triumphs, in these key ways.
Evan Barlow – The Fix EP (iTunes)
Fast-rapping-ass Evan Barlow is back, and he hasn’t missed a beat! The Fix is different from his previous release, Trials and Triumphs, in these key ways. First off, there is way more introspection here in the lyrics, more emphasis on the delivery of those lyrics, more pop synth-type production, and a bit of risky experimentation. Evan doesn’t shy from telling you from the start he’s an ex-addict (though as an ex-addict myself, one never really isn’t addicted; “it’s all about management”). The first track, “The Fix,” is exactly what I wanted to hear after his last project. Raw honesty, imagery, strength through weakness, and growth. A lot of fast lyricists will go out their way to overcomplicate their lyrics, but on this track, Evan just gives it to you straight. Oddly enough though, after this track comes “So What,” which is in my opinion the weakest track on this project and is about nothing. It’s more a lyrical exercise with profanity; we’ll call this his version of Drake’s “Worst Behavior.” It even has an extended synth bridge. I just felt like after such a strong dose of reality at the start, it was kind of strange to encounter this right after. Anyway, from there is “Window,” featuring Shanica Knowles on the hook. It’s good, catchy, kind of commercial but it’s got strong content; a lil heavy for my tastes on the synth, but word, I’ll live. What comes next is what I think is the strongest track on here… and of course also the shortest. “Bad Decisions” is what happens when you combine a simple beat with a complex lyrics and it comes off correct. Evan (I know you’re reading this), you did your damn thing on this one. Be proud. The EP’s concluding track, “Triumphant” featuring McBeth, is Evan’s version of Eminem’s “Not Afraid”: a solid conclusion that wraps up the content and sticks to the idea of this project being called The Fix. However, after hearing “Bad Decisions,” I did walk away a bit underwhelmed by this ending track. All in all, this is a good, solid effort Evan, and much respect on your courage to explore, expand, experiment, and grow. A nod must be given to Andrew Hypes, who despite producers Bink and a few other contributing hands such as Macklemore trumpeter Owuor Arunga, always manages to get Barlow to set the bar high. I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with next… stay sober, Evan.
Big Kahuna – OG Tape (Repay Yaper)
Big Kahuna of the Yaper Gang has teamed up with producer Randomwhiteguy, out of New York, to bring us a 9-track solo project entitled OG Tape. What starts out as a well-produced tribute to mundane self validation (loud… Porsches… bitches… money… “you get high” wow cool…) does eventually develop at times into something more. Production-wise, this project is very solid all the way through; it’s just when you think you’re finally going to hear something about this guy’s life or who he actually is, he defaults back to the same ol’ rap bullshit. Now I’m not saying you don’t smoke, or have a lil change and some broads that are DTF, but for real: so what? In every verse Kahuna delivers with a strong delivery and steady flow, yet manages to keep you in the same place. He goes from saying he’s on a yacht to talking about laundering money to getting up and putting in work at his 9-5 (that’s the type of shit I like to hear: YOU), to back to more loud, weed, blah blah blah. I used to smoke a QP a month, man, I rhymed about smoke as well–but I fail to see why it’s such a topic that requires so much glorification. Have you ever done shrooms? LSD? DMT? And if you’re only blowing loud, why not invest your money in something else? That would be progress. Anyway, as I hear some reviews I write are received as “open letters,” I’ll close with a bit of simple sincerity. Kahuna, you’ve got skills, you did a hell of a job mixing this project, but as a fan of your music and work I don’t need you to tell me why you’re so cool or how awesome you are. Just do you and let it speak for itself. And to you, dear reader, I say this: why the sad “Yaper-Face?” Give this man a listen! Though I may not agree with everything present here, I am quite certain he is talented, and I look forward to what is next.
