El Maestro: Heavy Is The Hands

This is an artist who always seems to go above and beyond in surprising me. Because each piece of sonic art he drops is surreal in its own unique way. No two albums are the same and it’s that cinematic versatility that I appreciate most and with that in mind, let’s talk about it!

This is the new album by MC -Casket D. And Production from the likes of
-Trvp
-TaliBoom
-Lexi Banks
-Falak
-Syer

Now, what I’ve noticed across the small handful of albums I’ve covered by him already is that he doesn’t follow any particular lane in his music! Each album features new and unexplored areas of influences that had yet to be utilised prior. From conceptual efforts to loose & cinematic bangers to more thought provoking matters, he’s always trying new things and I feel that’s a mindset lost on the current wave of artists who are too afraid of trying something different and failing so they remain in the same sound space their entire careers!

For example the track -Cross To Bare surprised me in the best way possible! When I heard that gorgeous vocal chorus mixed in with that mainstream, theatrical instrumental filled with those haunting keys and atmospheric chords it was a refreshing turn of events that I enjoyed!

The track -Brut Strength has a lovely soulful 2000’s Kayne vibe to it that I adored! You’ve got that iconic chipmunk vocal loop, shimmering piano keys mixed with those heavy-handed drums and thick bass! The irony of this track is that it’s sonically beautiful while discussing one of the heavier topics on the whole album! (Especially in the first verse)

Another song that stood out to me was the appropriately named -In Awe because that’s how the track left me while listening to it! Firstly that intro? With that spacey, tribal music with those swaying chords and what sounded like tribal choir singing! It later evolved into this further experiential instrumental that contains these plucked strings in the background, lively drums and this powerful vocal notes that have a hint of tragedy woven into them!
I love how as this song progresses we get some piano keys in the forefront of the track!

The MC parts are fantastic and as epic as I’ve remembered them from last projects. Similar to the variance in production we have Casket who finds a different narrative, story and position in which to tell them!
Some lines reference his family and his daughter, others his trials and tribulations he had to deal with to get to where he is!
Other lines he’s giving himself the credit he deserves and speaking the brash yet honest truth about his abilities and skills! His wordplay and penmanship dive into a whole array of topics and what he’s feeling like at the time that helps make the album pop even further!

One thing I’ve noticed also is his lack of features, that’s been a theme across all projects I’ve heard him on. Someone who is confident in not only their own performance ability but the skill to rap solo in a full album setting is priceless to me! Not many people can say the same but his sturdy flow, tight nit wordplay, mature take on his lyricism and a solid charisma that isn’t too flashy but done in such a way that you listen the moment he starts rapping on the track!
This man is a real artists ARTIST! He doesn’t conform to trends or follow the sheep nah he’s the one paving the way for the new generation and this one might be his magnum opus yet!