We are so fucking back. An EP from what one of my credited ‘monster trio’ artists? Yes, please. With a discography full of refreshing takes and sounds and a one-of-a-kind personality, he rose to my list quickly as an artist to focus on, and I haven’t looked back.
Now coming in hot with a new EP, it’s time we discuss…
NO FACES!
Brand new tape from MC Wst. Taylor with production from Wst himself and contains nine tracks and 24 minutes of content sure to make you flip!
If we start describing the production, it seems like Taylor was going for an overall ‘classic/orchestral’ feel to the project. Weirdly enough, this kind of reminds me of the same vibe as the album ‘Titanic Rising’ by singer Weyes Blood. He’s going for a grand, signature style of instrumentals that the listener can feel into their bodies and souls. This feels less like hip-hop beats and more like a cinematic score, and that’s why I love this man’s musical taste and mind!
He’s never one to rely on ‘normal’; he’s always pushing the boundaries and trying new stuff, whether that’s a record with more singing than rapping or abstract projects, hardcore hip-hop ones, or ones as elegant and vibrant as these!
These beats are absolute poetry in motion, from the more jazz-oriented cuts to the vocal-heavy harmonies that saturate the song with relaxing overtures and melodies so smooth it acts as a natural stress reliever. Although maintaining an overall concept for the music itself, each song is still its own sound and theme.
It’s like if each composer in an orchestra was given free reign to create their own piece of music, and this is how it came out!
It’s authentic, vibrant, it’s compelling in an artistic sense, and it’s really unlike any other production you’ll come across because it’s barely hip-hop music; it’s more hip-hop adjacent but executed in rap fashion.
My main man, WST. I still, to this day, don’t understand how he’s so fucking smooth when he raps. Across all his tapes I’ve reviewed, he’s continued to impress me with his introspective lyricism, his thought-provoking ideas and concepts, as well as his laid-back approach and performances that make him sound that much cooler on the beats.
None more evident than now when I’m convinced he’s rapping alongside a full set orchestra! He’s the coldest guy in the room (and that’s not on accident), he raps like he has a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute, never being one to get aggravated or bothered.
Although he can often hit personal topics (such as on the track – Trippin On Everything) where he discusses the issues of rent payments, not being able to see his kids, etc., but even in his most vivid moments, he still maintains his composure with his fluent flow and exquisite tone!
Although technically you could say this about anyone, but in an interesting way, I feel he always sounds his best when working solo. Don’t get it twisted when he’s accompanied by like-minded individuals; he destroys the verse! He can hold his own against anyone in the game, but there’s a certain level of studio intimacy and internal comfort he finds when he’s alone, like a specific void he can enter where his thoughts, feelings, and emotions are all amplified to peak music conditioning!
Look, this EP is dope. I had no doubt in my mind about that. He’s the kind of guy to maintain the ART in ARTISTRY, and it makes me happy to see him still continuing to explore and experiment! Go give it a try now!
https://open.spotify.com/album/23P4o8qQJBPH4pAXdMKX8Z?si=qPRnCU99TBumVja43D6Qxg
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