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MNTRY – Late To The Party (EP Review)

by Miracle
Late To The Party EP (Stream Here)

Let the festivities commence! Singer MNTRY dropped his highly anticipated EP Late To The Party today. The seven track collective is being well received right out of the gate. As it should be. The Illixer got a chance to hear the project a few days early during MNTRY’s virtual listening session hosted by The JayLamar Podcast. And it’s definitely giving put some respect on his name. Let’s dive into a few of the records that won over the site during the podcast preview.

“Late To The Party”

This is the title track and the very first song on the project. Now MNTRY titled the EP as a jab of sorts to those who haven’t yet gotten hip to his artistry though he’s been in the game for quite some time now. However, he decided to take the single in another direction. The production is a slowed down number with silky musical elements and a sexy vibe. The hook is polished. The vocals are choice and the lyrics are flirty. The verse fills out the theme of the record well. MNTRY gives a seductive vocal performance as he reflects on the scenario that has him running late for a function. He croons: “DND on the line for ya. Can I get a little taste? I can’t seem to get away from you. You done got dressed to get undressed. If we don’t make it I couldn’t care less.” Definitely seems like a private party is shaping up in those lines right there. I think those waiting are going to need someone else to bring the libations (lol). All in all, this is a rewarding start to the EP.

“Stand The Rain”

Yes! This samples the New Edition classic. And if you listen closely you can catch a little nod to the SWV cut as well. If you’re not familiar with either than you are probably too young to be listening to the project anyways (lbvs). The production puts a refreshing modernized spin on the sample with a crisp tempo and feel good vibe. The hook is engaging. The vocals are spirited and the lyrics are playful. Also, there is a bit of a twist introduced. While the classic songs are more on the romantic intimate side, MNTRY’s version is all about blessing the strippers. And we are here for the creativity! The verses compliment the unexpected theme nicely and the listener can tell that MNTRY is truly in the moment with lines like: “You gone need a plastic bag when I throw it. And you know it. You brought yo girls and that’s cool. And I blow it on you and her and her and her. We got these n—as mad like where’s the girls?” Somebody get Katori Hall on the line. This needs to be playing at The Pynk (P-Valley). As a whole, this is a banger.

“Whatever You Want”

So more sampling at work here. This time around it’s from hit R&B group Tony Toni Tone and their single “Whatever You Want.” The production gives that same level of finesse as the original but punches things up a bit with swagged out musical ingredients and a club style vibe. The hook slays. MNTRY shows off his harmonies and the lyrics are memorable. The verses are official. MNTRY gives the listener top of the line vocal work as he expresses his appreciation for the lady in his life. A snippet from his doting includes: “She don’t care about the finer things. And that’s why she can be my queen. Amongst other things. Damn she really impressed me.” Too sweet, right? MNTRY shares that this track is the one that helped put an end to a creative slump that he had fallen into. What a dope way to make a comeback. Overall, this is another smash single.

**My Two Cents: So I gave MNTRY a little bit of a hard time with “Purple Emojis.” But that’s just because I’ve been at his “party” since almost the beginning and I know what he’s fully capable of on the writing as well as vocal tip. Thus my expectations are a little high. It’s all in love though. With that said, the Late To The Party EP definitely delivers as a whole. It’s original, vocally up to par, sonically pleasing, and those samples were flipped so cold Diddy would be jealous (y’all know he’s the sampling king – lol). And this is just an appetizer guys. MNTRY is also releasing an album later this year. And he promises it’s going to give me all the good old fashioned R&B feels that I can handle (lol). Excited to hear it. -MinM

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