Grateful Is An Understatement

Maybe it’s just me being biased based on the nature of my work but I’m getting the impression that ‘wholesome’ music is making a comeback. I’ve reviewed so many artists who are taking a sharp left turn from the cliche ‘Gangsta/Drug Rap’ scene into more alternative and brighter takes on the art and this album is one of those examples! So let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new album by Producer -Anthony Church with a variety of different artists such as
-KAI ONYX
-Elijah Rushin
-KeevRoss
-GRiMM Van Gogh
-Ryshon Jones
-Chester Watson
-Jae Maurice
-Soma79
-Concept
-Aila Chiar
-Como Sasaki
-Jacobdeloakland
-Mike Dantz
-Prospect
-Heno.

And for the size of this roster, I’m surprised at the amount of distinction. Each artist provides their own charisma and cadence that helps shape and influence the music around them. It ain’t a secret that compilation albums aren’t my favourite as I feel the majority just throw names on a album for the sake of it without careful planning for how they sound and chemistry but thankfully that’s not the case here!

Each name has their own individual strengths and purposes within the albums soundscape. From some being methodical and cerebral while others prefer a stronger personality with a more energetic tone! Anthony uses his genius to mix and match depending on the situation and that’s the difference between this album and most others, the careful strategy and structure to ensure each instrumental is tailored to the best performer/s and it worked perfectly.

When discussing the production aspect I have to remind you all about how I discussed the description of ‘Wholesome’ because that’s how the beats feel, Anthony isn’t interested in trying to mimic the gritty boom Bap style but instead bring fourth his own foundations and lanes that provides a refreshing touch to the underground!

We’ve got tracks such as -Staring which is a beautiful symphony from start to finish. Made me feel like I was floating in shallow water with the sun beaming on my face! You’ve got those gorgeous lo fi style keys and synth chords that work together to create this atmospheric feel that has later rhythmic drum patterns woven into it and some tasteful bass!
I also love how in the middle and end we have these swaying strings and a divine jazz style instrumentation to close the track off!

There’s tracks such as -Hours which again has this out of this world angelic melody to it. You’ve got those surreal piano keys that go off in that slow yet powerful loop! Those are combined with some theatrical violin strings and cinematic chords that come later on in the track with some more tasteful bass!
This feels like I just had a light joint and decided to walk into a nature park! The definition of beauty!

Or we can even talk about the track -Trials & Tribulations which gives me a strong ‘Tribe Called Quest’ vibe which I fell in love with immediately! On this instrumental you have those looped Jazz horns, lively drum work and some shimmering keys subtly in the background! Not to mention this is one of two MC’s on this whole list I’m familiar with! Shoutout the main man Concept!

If you’re a hip hop head but in the market for something new you then this is for you! It’s light, atmospheric, stunning and masterfully crafted and I guarantee you won’t hear anything quite like it!