Talk about a man who has been gaining more attention and praise by the week. This time around, I do have history with his music, including working with some of the dopest in the industry, and now he’s back with not only a sequel but a sonic statement that is bound to keep the culture on lock! Let’s talk about it!
This is the brand-new record by MC Errol Holden and producers such as
-Shvmire
-Frankie P
-2000.Souls
-Blue Fin Beats
-Homage
Alongside these men, we hear a compilation of sounds and instrumentals that have an unsettlingly mellow boom bap feel to it that is smooth on the ears yet eerie in execution. Sounds like the calm before the storm; your body is almost waiting for something to jump out and attack!
Certain songs stood out to me, such as
-SHOUT OUT TO OYSTER BAY BUT THE GOD CIVILIZED NOW
On this one, we hear what I’d consider the most minimal yet intense cuts on the album, from the slow-paced piano keys, methodically charged drum beats, and some subtle yet powerful bass strings that provide that extra layer of texture to an already impressive track! I also love how at the start and at the end of the track, we have some high-energy discussion snippets added, which can only really remind me of the opening to Biggie’s ‘I Love the Dough’, but dope inclusion nonetheless makes the track feel more personal!
There’s the track -EYE BEAR WITNESS, which has a more groovy element to it with those incredible soul vocal loops that kick the track off, then follow through with more talking snippets that are used as a bridge to the proper beat, which has this dark side with those sharp and high-pitch piano keys that remain looming in the background!
This is accompanied by some sickening bass and even more inclusion of the talking. You don’t hear many artists utilise dialogue or conversations throughout the songs, and that gives his music that distinctive edge!
Or we can talk about the song – GEMSTAR MEMOIRS, which starts off with this soul/P-Funk sounding introduction that evolves into yet another thrilling instrumental with these swaying chord progressions that make you feel like you’re in the waiting room of a crystal ball psychic, that’s combined with some of the deepest bass I’ve ever heard and later on some surprising use of plucked strings!
The unconventional elements of all the layers had this one feeling memorable from that infectious intro to the shock of the strings; this one was meant to make a statement!
Now, onto the MC side of things, we of course have Errol, the man that has been taking the culture by storm lately and thriving alongside some people’s ‘GOATS’ and standing toe to toe. He’s a man who, just like the production on this album, possesses a cool, unbothered demeanour that lets him utilise his sharp focus, exquisite penmanship, and a deadly cold charisma that amplifies itself across these seven tracks!
In just 22 minutes, we hear Errol unlock what could arguably be his most potent verses to date and adds an extra layer of chill to an already powerful score with his fluency from bar to bar, his beat manipulation to make his words wrap around the music and not the other way around, and I love how he can switch the speed of his performances depending on the track! Sometimes he’s fast-paced, other times he’s taking his time, and others he’s in the middle; he’s in no rush and on nobody’s time but his own, and that’s another layer why he’s so genuine on the mic!
Not many could utilise 22 minutes the way he does. The definition of a solo bar fest. No features to ruin his vibe, just him and the various usage of conversations scattered throughout. Such a unique technique and listening experience that I guarantee you wouldn’t get anywhere else! He’s proving why he keeps climbing the ladder as one of the most compelling MC’s we currently have!
Make sure you give this one a try. As expected, Errol remains on a strong run, and the various producers do their thing in bringing the music to life!
https://open.spotify.com/album/53fbRoN8CWIj6Dx9zeKfbr?si=x9vG4vVSQc-uegmYBZVnZw
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 