Album Review: Broken Narrative by Elohin | Posted September-02-2020
What You Need to Know
Rapper Elohin is a top-notch lyricist, performer, songwriter, speaker, and minister. His new album Broken Narrative is filled with mesmerizing rhymes, ear-catching melodies, well-thought-out concepts and perfectly placed samples and features. This 10-song opus sees Elohin tackling issues of faith, justice, family, childhood, a music career, freedom, love, life, and God. His moniker is pronounced El-Oh-In, which is the phonetic spelling of his name, Lon. This type of wordplay and creativity oozes from this wordsmith as he honestly narrates his tale with transparency, skill and Detroit-bred grit.
What It Sounds Like
Broken Narrative was made by a professional rapper. This man is no slouch nor is he new to this. Elohin is a seasoned vet in his prime, excelling in his element. With a soundscape full of jazz, soulful samples, 808s, boom-bap, and modern rap production, Elohin provides plenty of diversity to satiate most hip hop pallets. His strong lyricism abounds and shines even in the midst of powerful guest vocals on tracks like "I'm Sorry," "Movin' On," "I'm Trying," and "Misconception." The album is very musical and full of talent. There are no featured rap verses, and there aren't any real trap beats or bangers, just a lot of smooth music that was put together in a beautiful way. Storytelling is the main focus of this album, and it's executed to perfection. A couple skits add to the depth of the story. The narrative is tight with no filler. Every song could be a single and deserves its own placement in a movie.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Elohin addresses so many topics as he tells his story. Overall one of the primary messages is staying the course and walking in your purpose despite brokenness. No matter what people think of you, God has called you to something greater. Learn from your elders and apply wisdom. Even when you feel misunderstood, keep the faith, keep pushing, keep fighting, keep studying, keep creating, and keep impacting change.
Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Best Song on the Record
"Misconception" is my favorite. From the saxophone to the bluesy vocals from Coko Butterfli to the lyrical flex and hard bass line, this song is amazing. What a way to bring an album in. This cinematic track is beautiful, and the ending is stunning. Stay the course even when you feel misunderstood. Honor God and be you. Honorable mention to "Movin' On" and "Freedom".
Don't sleep on Elohin. He has been putting music out at a very high level for years, and this is his best work. Rarely does an artist release an album like this, with a focus on storytelling and no featured verses at all. The writing Elohin puts into this project is to be commended. He isn't clout chasing and trying to buy his way on, but he is just making phenomenal music in his lane. The production on this project absolutely is great. Broken Narrative is one of the best albums you will hear in 2020. Every track is a hit. No misses.
A Perfect Album For The Summer | Posted July-02-2020 What You Need to Know:
Chicago-based recording artist and filmmaker Rhyan Lamarr released his debut album aPERFECTmess, telling Lamarr's journey from homelessness to renowned producer/director/screenwriter of Canal Street. Utilizing skits with Sway Calloway, Charlamagne Tha God, Bishop Eric D. Garnes and more, Lamarr creates one of the most ambitious hip hop story-telling efforts of the year. A star-studded list of features includes Jonathan McReynolds, 1K Phew, Twista, nobigdyl., Byron Juane, Canon, Da Brat, Angie Rose, Parris Chariz, Aaron Cole, Ty Brasel, John Givez, Social Club Misfits, Jack Red, Eshon Burgundy, Jered Sanders, Jon Keith, Evan Ford, Kris Noel and more! aPERFECTmess is more than an album; it's really an audio film.
What It Sounds Like:
Rhyan Lamarr curates a sonically relevant masterpiece with nothing but anthems. There is a DJ Khaled-esque compilation feel to this album that makes it fun and exciting. The flawless vision and execution of this project manifests into thorough excellence on every song. Lamarr truly held nothing back on this 20 track, 1 hour and 13 minute offering featuring 9 tracks longer than 5 minutes. Several songs had long vamps and outros that were dope to just ride out and vibe to the multi-layered music. From rock to R&B, gospel, hip-hop and even pop, Lamarr pulls on many genres which all blend into a victorious album with banging basslines, lively instrumentation, skilled vocalists and dominant emcees.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
The album tells the story of an overcomer. Rhyan Lamarr's life journey and testimony give glory and honor to God, and those themes are woven throughout every track. His immense faith and tireless work ethic combined with patience and God's providential timing created aPERFECTmess. Lamarr's willingness to submit to the Lord's calling on his life and endure hardship for a season eventually took him from being homeless into a thriving role model and entrepreneur. The Lord gave this man true vision, and the clarity that comes from that is evident as Lamarr is humble, caring and loving.
Best Song on the Record:
"Relief" is an incredible song filled with supreme talent. Byron Juane, Canon, Kris Noel, nobigdyl., John Givez, Jack Red & Lil Sharp combine with Rhyan Lamarr to perfectly execute a flame-filled lyrical display of CHH talent.
Excellence abounds with precision on what might be the album of the summer. The accompanying music videos and short films, which includes the creation of a Christian Rap Cinematic Universe, are amazing and a must watch for any fans of this soundtrack. To see the diverse gifts and talents of Rhyan Lamarr be used by God in so many powerful, passionate and artistic ways is truly inspiring. This one is for the faith-filled, never-quit, we-shall-overcome dreamers around the world.
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