(Photos By Lerix)
8th Street (listen/download)
Haven’t heard anything new from Brooklyn based emcee Lerix since the beginning of the year. So it was a joyous occasion to see that he had dropped a new album. The album is titled 8th Street and makes for his fifth musical project to date. For this LP, Lerix worked on digging deeper than usual to give the material a personal touch and experimented with some elements that took him out of his comfort zone. He promises that the end result will be pleasing to fans though. Click the break and let’s dig in.
“Let The Beat Bang”
The production here is fire. It contains a slow methodical rhythm, deep full musical ingredients, and a cool chopped and screwed style vibe. The hook is quality. The delivery is clean and the secondary vocal is a creative touch. The lyrics are simple but engaging. The verses are good but brief. A third verse would have given the song a more complete feel. However, Lerix does his thing with the two that are present. He supplies an arresting flow, apt wordplay, and dope rhymes. All while putting forth an ode of sorts to Hip-Hop. Some worthwhile lines include: “I got a feeling that I might act up. Keep rolling n—a, light that up. We ain’t promised tonight back. So kick back while I pours me a night cap. See I was born in the West. Raised in the East. Swag from the South. Oh what a beast. Hip-Hop head to the soles of my feet. Rep for my geeks. And I rep for my streets. Ain’t no telling where the kid might be. NYU via NYC. Soon stay tuned for the MSG.” Boss spitting going on in those bars right there. Overall, this song is a banger.
“Rich & Famous”
The production here is great. The medium bass, subtle components, and serious tone come together effortlessly. The hook is deep. The delivery is solid and the lyrics have a message behind them. The verses are compelling. Lerix exhibits an expert flow, precise wordplay, and substantial rhymes. He skillfully illustrates the portrait of an artist who has sold out for the fame and fortune of the music industry. Noteworthy lines include: “Ain’t I astounding. Listen to the crowd. And to make it to the top all I did was dumb it down. Labels pay attention. I can even earn the crown if I make them Hokey Pokey. Get them dancing all around. Bring the cash in. My new Aston. Oh you don’t have this? Where yo swag is? You don’t got them White girls in yo mansion. With a closet fully stocked with new fashion. Damn I’m on my Russell n—a. If you wanna live this fresh get on yo hustle n—a.” One has to respect the accurate depiction in those words of mainstream artists these days. In the end, this song is legit and definitely should be placed into heavy rotation.
“No Water”
The production here is likeable. The low pitched core and musicality of the different parts results in a stoic vibe. The hook is suitable. The delivery has a slight sing song style to it with a flippant tone that really emphasizes the feel of the beat. The lyrics are fine. The verses are informative. Lerix serves up a crisp flow and personal rhymes. He really opens up to the listener about his struggles with internal issues, life, love, and more. Observe as he spits: “Could mama raise me better? My spirit wouldn’t let her. Despite her endless efforts I barely kept it together. Might have a screw loose. My tool-belt short a Phillips head. But still I hold it down long as my heart is where I feel it at. Call me Mr. Passionate. Then blame it on my dad and s–t for times I’m just a little out of reach like kitchen cabinets. Yeah I know that must sting. Damn I got this trust thing.” Intriguing sentiments being shared in those lines. All in all, this track is a gem.
“Bad Mutha F–ka”
This track is preceded by a related interlude that features a clip from the classic Quentin Tarantino film, Pulp Fiction. The production here is fresh. It boasts a heavy foundation, a mid-tempo pace, and savvy vibe. The hook is fair. It’s basically just the song titled reiterated via vocals with a special effect. The verses are prime. Lerix displays an ill flow and high-grade rhymes. He embraces his more street side as he flaunts his know-how with words. A few favorite lines are: “Got ’em mad like how he talking s–t and he ain’t famous yet. Dog all I ever need is patience and some Jameson. Wait for all the lames to run they game and I come saving them. These n—as is out they lane. They ain’t got no shame in them? No. Then I ain’t got none neither. So I talk more s–t now. Febreeze my features.” That’s some entertaining spitting being put forth. As a whole, this is another hit track.
**My Two Cents: 8th Street is another impressive offering from Lerix. As usual, his lyrical content was excellent and the production was grand as well. He has really done a noble job of being consistent with these past couple of projects. Readers should check out the entire LP and judge for themselves though. Additionally, the visuals for the album’s lead single “Great Mind” can be seen above. It’s a pretty straight forward video with nice color and movement effects. Lerix said he wanted something non-complex to highlight the song’s content with no distractions. He accomplished his goal with ease. For more with Lerix, hit up his website. -MinM
