F.Low – I Dont Need A Deal 7 (Datpiff)
7. I don’t like repeating myself, and I don’t like people repeating stuff to me. So when I saw a big 7 next to I Don’t Need A Deal, well… let’s just say usually we tell people what we do want when we say what we don’t need. Honestly though, I was really surprised by how well F.Low does on each track.
F.Low – I Dont Need A Deal 7 (Datpiff)
7. I don’t like repeating myself, and I don’t like people repeating stuff to me. So when I saw a big 7 next to I Don’t Need A Deal, well… let’s just say usually we tell people what we do want when we say what we don’t need. Honestly though, I was really surprised by how well F.Low does on each track. Strong production and beat selection, straight to the point lyrics–I was impressed. I found myself wishing, though, that this project wasn’t so clearly an expression of his own internal conflict. Songs like “Naysayers” are great representations of his confidence in himself and talent, but then songs like “Bottle of Patron,” despite the appearance of Ms Proper, leave you underwhelmed, and seem conceptualized, when much of this project seemed rooted in his faith and belief in his raw talent. If you don’t need a deal, why are you making songs that sound like the music people trying to get a deal make? Still though, there is hunger all over this project, and plenty of frustration that has been transmuted into something positive. I was a bit annoyed by the abundance of Wayans samples, but the “Keepin It Real” skit was… well, real. I don’t know about the last 6 installments of this series, but F.Low, just as you say, “I Don’t Need A Deal,” this music does not and should not be confined within that label. It’s better than that. I say let the product speak for itself next time; let it flow.
M.arques B.erry – M (Datpiff)
When I put this project on I said to myself within the first minute “Marques, you must be a big Kendrick Lamar fan” (track one, “Sunday,” is his “Sing For Me I’m Thirsty” flow). “Still though, you’re a talented lyricist, Marques… as Kendrick is too.” M, in my mind, is youth. Emo (there is a song called “Emotional Song,” after all) influenced, bright, fast, youth. The production is pretty good too, and the sound quality is great. Marques does his best to cram as much content in here for you as possible through this 10 track project. He has a steady delivery, good (though so damn Kendrick) flow and structure, and I can’t really say anything negative. Jake Barkley does well on the features as well. So what I can say is: will I listen to it again? No. It’s just not my kind of hip hop. This shit is kind of depressing. Is it good though? Yeah, I guess, just “soft” (I.E. “Battleship”: 1 minute of lyrics, 2 more minutes of instrumental–not that I mean to kill your vibe). Like, I could picture Marques writing this project while it rains, fresh off a break up with his favorite girl, after listening to the same Drake and Kendrick tracks all day… because those were “their songs.” Insert “Bae meme” here.
