LongTerm Mentality by Ab-Soul

(twitter.com/absoul)

L.A. based Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) is blessed to have a young and talented roster of spittas that are collectively known as Black Hippy. Consisting of rising star Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul, popular rap writer Noz even called them the new Hieroglyphics on his Tumblr. The tag makes sense once you consider their diverse styles, verbal dexterity, and lyrical clarity. Arguably, bar for bar, the most passionate and skilled of the collective is Carson City rep Ab-Soul. His first for purchase digital release LongTerm Mentality is strong collection of songs that display not only Ab-Soul’s topical and rhythmic diversity, but also that of Top Dawg’s production stable.

Following the lead of Kendrick’s Overly Dedicated and Schoolboy’s Setbacks, LongTerm Mentality is a mixed bag of rappity-rap stream of conscious rap (full of “ohh shit, you hear that” moments), placed alongside introspective jawns, party jams, street songs, and the occasional experimental track. At times the diversity of sound and topics can make for a schizophrenic affair, but the way in which Ab moves within the styles makes one feel the album is not littered with an artist searching for himself, but rather one who is comfortable in exploring different themes.

The sound is basically songs filled with off the wall lyrics to make you think with production that is upbeat and still laid back. The features are Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jhene Aiko, Javonte, BJ The Chicago Kid etc. This is another collection made for the broke struggling underground rappers trying to blow up so if you can relate to that then you’ll like this more. It is currently on iTunes cop this album support real hip hop!!!

Ayiro (pronounced "Arrow") is a producer from Los Angeles & has been involved in music almost his entire life. He learned the piano & violin in HS & can read, write & compose music for an entire orchestra. On the underground scene, Ayiro has an established buzz from participating in underground beat battles & showcases. His talents in producing & songwriting are now beginning to open doors for him

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