We’re back again, having already released Ye Ali & Chill 4 and the dance EP, WYA? I’m Not Mad Anymore this year, plus two new singles featuring Ro James and Eric Bellinger, the Indiana musical maverick returns with yet another EP, Gemini.
I hadn’t even got round to reviewing the extended version of Who Do You Call, with Ro James adding his unique tone to the mix and Regular Occasion (ft. Eric Bellinger), more sultry efforts from three of the current crop of crooners, and yet here we are, with this surprise drop. Gemini blends the feel of recent releases into a concise 5 track EP, kicking off with BABYONME, linking back with frequent collaborator DCMBR, though serving as an intro, it transitions into the wavy DANCEONME, a sexy mid-tempo joint balancing his smooth vocals with the infectious hi-hats, it’s a super solid solo offering that is well appreciated in this format. EVERYBODYSFAVOURITE and OVERIT sit perfectly in the middle of the project, providing more musicality and ambience, bridging between the two standouts DANCEONME and another result of his recent experimentation with the uptempo rhythms, 2MUCHTIME. I never knew I would like these soulful dance records like this and 2MUCHTIME is the epitome of that, a well crafted mix of modern day R&B layered on a bed of a party-starting, head-bopping club beat. In an era where some R&B artists have released sped-up versions of their slower efforts, he’s been able to create a whole original vibe of it. The only critique could be the length of the project, if you take the two from this, with a few others from each release, you have a close to perfect album, which as a fan only makes you wonder what else is in the tuck.
With these multiple releases, Ye Ali reaffirms his position in the game and the duality of Gemini only adds to the plethora of styles and sounds he’s mastered as he continues to progress the evolution of R&B further.
As one third of the pioneering collective WSTRN, Louis Rei has seen formidable success, with the breakthrough In2 (the last real British summer smash) and the sounds that followed played an underrated part in the current state of the British scene (and one could even argue the global acceptance of the current Afroswing momentum). Consisting of three individual talents, the group allowed them to experiment further on their unique styles and their versatility gave us an array of vibes to enjoy. However, even before that, I had known of Louis but nothing to do with music, so then when I heard a righteous soul expressing through poignant raps and wavy melodies and made the connection, I saw this potential. Though happy for his catapult to success with the group, through solo tracks he would simultaneously release on his soundcloud (including the fan-favourite Relax), I would hear more of his artistry, and with his introduction being through the group and a more light-hearted upbeat sound, I could see that seeping through, like there was so much more he wanted to say. He’s been a top ten rapper in the country for some time, cemented with his standout feature on Nines’ album. How he carried himself online, as he made transitions in real life, with his Rei of Light segments and rare freestyles that cut through and helped be the mortar to the foundation that is this EP, Inhale.
Being in the game for close to a decade and only just releasing his debut EP, I can imagine how it must have felt to harbour all those emotions and experiences, though titled Inhale, it must have felt more like an exhale to finally deliver this. A concise 7 track project, it starts with Who Am I, setting off the theme, he’s able to give insight into the whirlwind, behind the smoke and mirrors, as a man and a father before anything else. Truth Be Told, he’s flowing venomously over the heavy drums (with it’s 50 Cent – Window Shopper sample), “I was on the main road, then I went mainstream”. You have to trust the universe’s timing, because I don’t think this project comes to be without this maturity, with tracks like Shiesty featuring Tiggs Da Author, which blends into the introspective Reign. Credit to the musicianship (with producer Oh Em Why), it’s such as well crafted project, no reach or compromising the craft, down to the outros. Still, might be more of the forthcoming sound to expect from him, as he paints a personal picture over another notable sample, a statements being made as he’s not wasting a bar throughout this. The retrospective OK, nicely brings the project towards the end as he channels Makavelli for this inspirational number, “I’m really out here tryna change the world one day!”. The EP embodies themes of struggles and adversity and overcoming with a strong sense of spirituality that is bound by the musicality and the outro, Our Father’s Interlude. A very strong message that will undoubtedly resonate with many, serving as the curtain closer, it really emphasises the overall feeling and though brings the EP to an end, actually opens space for what’s next.
It’s been a minute, but we’re finally here and what a re-introduction from one of the West’s chosen ones, a refreshing breeze of artistry and substance, as he continues to evolve. The universe makes no mistakes, through the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, the wins and the losses, It’s all connected.
As 2018 comes to a close, there’s talks of ‘Album of the Year’ as we look back at the best projects, and while the likes of Nipsey Hussle, Pusha T and (most recently) Meek are contenders, one project that I believe is in the Top Ten, or the conversation at least, is M Huncho’s 48 Hours EP. If we were to separate albums and EPs, then it’s Top 3 for sure.
I came across him late, when his name was originally circulating, I didn’t jump at it, but maybe because it was just the perception (I’m not on the obvious platforms like that), and even the ballie, you had an idea of what to expect, but I had yet to hear any of the music, and I so wasn’t expecting this. If I had known it was basically trap-centric R&B, I might have been more inclined, and it wasn’t until I had heard a couple tracks in the right place at the right time, that I visited the EP, and came across one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the country of recent.
I hope to interview the talent at some point, because I really just want to know who he listened to growing up, what artists inspire him and so forth, because as much as he is a rapper, there are a lot of artistic nuances, from the production used to the execution of certain melodies. With it’s street-heavy content, his delivery provides a polish of sorts.
The 8 track EP (which was created within a 48 hour studio session) is an array of moods, and from the Intro, he surfs over the soulful production, with a combination of wordplay and flow that becomes his niche. It sets up for Elevation, “rolling with my J, no Hus”, is a great example of the simplicity with which he can craft catchy quotables. With this track, I found myself listening to it when I was down, in need of motivation, or just lighting one under the sun. No doubt one of my go to tracks as I planned my moves for the year. Obviously if you’re accustomed to the content, then you’re definitely going to gravitate towards, but even if it’s alien to you, it’s that previously mentioned delivery, which will captivate the listener just as much.
Bringing us to Come Up, the third track on the tape, and it’s Huncho raising the level, as he compliments the production with an infectious flow, a track that is equally playable in the club as it is in your gym playlist.
Council Flat is confirmation that M Huncho is actually an artist, and justifies the buzz surrounding him. I say this because he shows consistency with his ability. It’s another flow, just as catchy, with more simple yet effective bars, and whilst I don’t know him personally, it’s a case of real recognise real, and further adds to the all-important authenticity.
“I don’t want no fake youts, I’d rather do up lonely”
And just like that, I Ain’t Fussed kicks in, I remember first listening to it and thinking back to my uni years, and then I hear, “Lost out on a nine, I’m raving in freshers…I lost all my uni fees”, and that was me sold I guess, because I got it. He’s able to weave raw subjects and wit within his lyrics, and it’s that variation that allows him to appeal beyond the expected audience. Track 6, ‘Mood’, might not be as good as the others, but you’ll still find yourself singing along, and it’s important for the EP overall, especially it’s positioning, with the levels raised again with Calm Days.
“They askin’ ’bout the masked face, I don’t like all the attention…I need calm days”
M Huncho had my vote for the Rated Awards Breakthrough artist of the year, and it does appear that he isn’t championed as much as he should be, but that could be a host of reasons, either way, it doesn’t take away from him or his craft in the slightest.
“labels moving naughty, tryin’ to offer forty, I’m sittin in a benzo..I don’t need that forty”
I love that the EP has a quality intro and outro, different styles but both as impactful and effective, further proving my point about his style, presence and talent. The outro, Sport.
“I see these goalies tryna play striker, brudda just stick to your own role..”
Overall, it’s a more creative take on the subject, something that the UK has struggled to do as effortlessly, or to this extent. 48 Hours is a great follow up and introduction for many to M Huncho, an improvement from his previous effort, whilst leaving room for more. A great offering, considering it was done within a 2 day session. I often listen to it and look to plan an event featuring him, just to hear those sounds and see that impact in a live setting. Much like the mask, he gives you enough to garner your interest, but also maintains the mystery. It’s my top 3 most listened to project this year alongside Nipsey’s Victory Lap album and Phaze What – I Ain’t Finished With You EP, and although there are others who might have more commercial plays or cosigns, it’s this EP which I hear blasting out of cars across the country, in studios, events and trap houses, with some of the most certi bumping the tape. Regardless of the perception, M Huncho is one of the country’s leading acts on the rise.
Definitely awaiting the new album, and have high hopes, so you can potentially expect him to be in the conversation for Album of the Year (again) next year.
ONE Fáris 