Promise's Good Fruit Debut Impresses| Posted April 18, 2016
Call it being stuck in a rut or just being ready for something different, but I always love when artists break out of societal or musical norms to make art that is organic in nature. Rapper Promise has always provided music that does not beat to the same drum of current trends. Having recently signed with Good Fruit Co, Promise is dropping his latest release, TellAVision.
This five track EP captures many sides of his musical makeup. The artists he enlists as guests on "Who You Are" are as noteworthy as the song itself. No Malice left the duo The Clipse as he was seeking to leave a lifestyle that he felt was detrimental to him spiritually. MC Jin, once signed to Ruff Ryders Entertainment, gave his life to Christ and made a foray into Christian hip hop, although he has now doing stand-up comedy. Lastly Montell Jordan (yes, "This Is How We Do It" Montell) is now a worship pastor. So all four artists were perfect to talk on this track about not following trends and doing things for God's glory.
"Cliches & Trends" is vintage Promise in terms of flow, but he has a sort of alternative soul feel to his singing, and it works. I have to admit that I totally forgot that D.A. T.R.U.T.H. was singing the second verse because he offers his crooning to the backdrop of the kick drum and simple strumming of the guitar and bass.
Promise's only solo song, "Why Don't You," is one of those songs that could have a double meaning. It could be a man asking a woman to be in a relationship that is meaningful, while also serving as God asking someone to let Him in and accept His salvation. Crystal Nicole blazed her feature on "Right Now." She has been appearing on more and more albums because her vocals are just butter. "Right Now" continues the theme of breaking out of the cookie cutter mode of society's expectations.
"Alleyway" is a song of advice from God about watching out for the pitfalls and the traps of hip hop. Promise enlists the help of Shad, John Hope and singer Aria Zenua to hammer down the point of what needs to happen to keep hip hop alive.
The Bottom Line:TellAVision is dope, and Promise is one person that can definitely be an ambassador to advising artists to be themselves. At five tracks the EP is short, and if you love music, you may feel a little slighted. Thankfully, there are songs that stand out.
Song to Download Now:
"Who You Are" (Get it on iTunes here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
