YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS! It’s a new review by that solid duo. The one that has been making waves across the underground and making an impact unlike many others! After reading already a handful of their projects, I feel the rush of adrenaline surge through me as I cover a new project I haven’t heard yet, like caffeine straight to the veins! With that in mind, LET’S GET TO IT!
So, this is the 1st of August drop by dynamic titans MC ZELL and Producer Dev Rodgers dropping another nine tracks with just under 20 minutes of content, and this one is a stark contrast to the one I did previously!
While the other one was the dark and depraved older brother of Boom Bap, this one feels like the soulful, angelic, and innocent sister who brings the harmony and love into every song! Let me explain!
So, this whole project is beautifully crafted, melodic soul, and ambient vibes with those luscious chords, slow, methodical piano keys, lavish vocal harmonies, and drums so soothing you’ll feel like you’re listening to a Norah Jones record! Absolutely gorgeous.
This makes me realise (as I often forget) that Dev can literally do any style he puts his mind to. He has no ceiling to reach; he just does whatever suits him on any given project, and that’s what makes him a rare cat!
These beats feel like later discography Mac Miller in all its divinity and beauty, the kind of production you could fall asleep to in a peaceful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed! (Something I had to often remind myself not to do for review’s sake) but nonetheless an absolutely engaging and fantastic experience from the man with no weakness in his field!
Now on to ZELL. I have to say he really surprised me this time around, after hearing the track ‘TESTIMONY’ where he (in his trademark bold tone) talks about the contrast towards people digging in bins for food and people complaining about minimum wage and putting shit into perspective!
I’ve never heard such an aware and deeply personal song from him before. For all intents and purposes, I’ve heard he’s a man with a golden heart, but this is the first time I’m hearing it in a song!
When it comes to the rest of the record, he brings his famous eccentric and powerful vocals combined with his sharp pen game and dominating flow that can be felt from five blocks away!
Especially across these beats, his aggressive charisma and cadence provide a refreshing touch! Kind of like getting into a cold pool on a scorching hot day! Or eating something hot on a freezing day!
That instant hit of relief or comfort in having the extreme opposite is how this album feels! It’s infectious in every kind of way!
Once again, they haven’t missed ONCE. Nothing but strong vocals and strong production to make this, I think, 5-0 now? I lost count, but not a L in sight!
https://open.spotify.com/album/5aG1POLvmATS8yQ1qy6h6Y?si=7eZW25fRSwOHwD8Gv0xNMw
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 