(Photos By Bryce)
Indeed: Volume 1 (sample/download)
Bryce is a fresh face from Muncie, Indiana who has been rapping for about 19 years now. His purpose with his music is to get people’s attention and stand out from the crowd of other indie / underground artists that populate today’s music scene. As long as he accomplishes this, he has no problem giving his supporters bountiful material for free. Last month, he released a new mixtape called Indeed: Volume 1. He took a unique approach to creating the tape in that each song is only about 2 – 3 minutes long and there are only four original cuts on the project. He did this to ensure that the tape would help retain the listener’s interest. Let’s see how successfully his idea worked after the break.
“Keep S–t G”
The production here is heavy. It samples “Keep It G” by the one and only A$AP Rocky. For those unfamiliar with the record, it is of a measured pace with horn style instrumentation and a tame vibe. In addition to the beat, the introduction from the original is also used. There is no hook and there is only one verse. The verse is refined. Bryce exhibits an individualized flow, keen wordplay, and select rhymes. He does a noteworthy job of giving the listener a taste of what he can do on the mic. He spits: “The way I’m flowing no joke. I’m crack cocaine and coke, man. F–k around with this f–k around and f–k around get smoked. It’s a knock at the door. Might be the police. I’m a young Black n—a and they don’t like me. It’s plenty other n—as that wanna fight me. And a couple ex b–ches that a probably (in)dict me.” Trendy bars being laid down right there. Overall, this was a fine endeavor.
“The Jiggernaut”
The production here is straight. It draws on Kendrick Lamar‘s “The Jig Is Up” which was produced by the infamous J. Cole. It contains a calm foundation, striking background elements, and a strong street vibe. Once again, the introduction from the primary single is incorporated into the record. And once more this song is without a hook and just has a solitary verse. The verse is up to snuff. Bryce presents a sprightly flow, solid wordplay, and precise rhymes. He has all the makings of a hood anthem on his hands. A couple of lines worth mentioning are: “You ain’t gotta ball. Man these b–ches love confidence. And you ain’t gotta lie to kick it. Man show ’em what honest is. I’m a show you what honest get. (…) Keep yo nose in these books. And you might get you a college b–ch. Don’t know streets. But I parlay with n—as that did. Mouth shut, eyes and ears, man where them n—as live. And all them n—as got kids. So they did what they did, bruh. And we ain’t gotta say it man. It just is what it is, bruh.” One has to appreciate the knowledge being told. All in all, this was a success.
“234Real”
This is not only the final song on the tape but also one of the four original cuts. The production here is fair. It is made up of unconventional musical components that result in a no-nonsense vibe. The hook is catchy. The delivery has a lot of character to it and the lyrics are creative. The verses are flattering. Bryce wields a welcoming flow and direct rhymes. He speaks openly about how he feels about a particular type of individual. He does a good job of calling for his fellow artists to be a little more innovative with their work. In the end, this is a quality song and a cool way to close out the tape.
**My Two Cents: Indeed: Volume 1 is an alright tape. I like the approach that Bryce used. It was a pretty clever move. Gave the listener just enough to get into the track and then was on to the next. A good way to keep them wanting more. Bryce himself has a winning flow and an adequate pen game. If he got just a little more elaborate with his rhymes, he’d have a richer arsenal. I’d give Indeed: Volume 1 a 3.5/5. Readers should check it out and formulate their own opinions though. Follow Bryce on Twitter here. -MinM
