PRIDE//PRESENCE

I’ll be honest. I think I have a severe case of ‘judging a book by its cover’ not in the insulting sense but in a more if I hear someone’s first work or my first work I’ve covered I tent to believe they will continue to release music in similar fashion and a lot of times (such as this time) I was proven wrong. This is a man who I instantly gained respect for after a few conversations with him and for the music he dropped and now I get to see just how versatile he really is! Let’s go! This is the brand new album by MC -Alma16 and Producer -Sammy Veins and together they drop this 14 track, 32 minute experience alongside features such as -Drew Drake -Tony Black And with just those two holding down the guest list we get to dive deep into this project that will have all of your senses engaged at once. A rather interesting concept for an album that starts off with this experimental/lo fi blend that invites the soul and mind to explore and amplify imagination as you listen! Compared to the previous album I heard of his, he comes packed with this new producer who seems to do a seamless job at blending an array of influences from -Hip Hop -Lo Fi -Experimental -Ambient -Soul -Funk -Jazz and more. Into this compelling fusion that brings an exciting gift track to track! Let me tell you my top 3 Firstly we have -865 this one had the first example of Soul blended into the album and it’s fucking gorgeous. You’ve got those lavish strings that lay a tad bit in the background to provide a powerful texture. We have some hypnotic drum work with some thick bass! On top of all this we have this consist vocal harmony that varies between soft spoken and prominent the longer the track goes! Also towards the end we have the introduction of electric guitar which spiked things up a bit! Definitely a fun instrumental! We have track that follows that last one -EARN MINE man this one had me feeling a kind of way. Reminded me of early 2000’s Kanye! That equally soulful influence with that angelic vocal harmony, thick and mesmerising bass, those rock and roll drum styles and those light synth chords subtly in the background that give that extra layer of texture! Actually the finale track -MISSED CHANCES (16) was a fantastic stand out that I found so dope! Firstly you’ve got those synth style chords that loop throughout the track sounding like a distorted flute that I loved! We also have some second layer softer chords that are accompanied by some rhythmic drum work and some fun bass! What makes this track unique is how it flips! Because in the second half we have this Lo Fi/Soft Jazz feel to it with those luscious keys and that soft spoken vocals that compliment the later half of the instrumental! When we discuss the lyrical aspect of things we come to Alma! Again a man I judged way too soon, on the first thing I covered of his I took his for a mellow and ambient type rapper (similar to Sabio Dub) but to my surprise he’s far more then that and he not only destroyed the beats laid in front of him but blew my mind and exceeded all my expectations! Across these 14 tracks we hear a more focused, sharp and verbally superior lyricist that shows he can be both fluent, breezy and powerful all in one with his performances. His pen game was a mix of introspective, personal and intellectual! Always the man to make you think deeper on things and one not to just throw any words on a page just for the sake of it! I loved how passionate and energised he sounded on this album. To be able to utilise such a wide range of production and sounds to his advantage to amplify his already driven verses to a brand new level and it sounds every bit as satisfying! I also love the lack of features. Don’t get me wrong the two presented nailed their roles and provided well focused chemistry alongside Alma but Alma is a man talented enough to not need a whole party accompanying him! Just a few key players to boost the project that little bit higher! Another solid project by Mr 16 himself. It seems him and Sammy really hit it off and the features killed it! Make sure you don’t sleep on this one!