Fourth Thursday

On a completely unrelated note, it's so nice to be able to sleep in again. School can be hell.



Being a fan of Stl hip-hop can be hard, especially when everyone expects you to sound like Nelly. All these other cities hear 314 and expect someone to turn a nursery rhyme into a song and say "hurre" and shit. I know that Country Grammar was a hit, but can we please move on?

So, what does a new 314 artist do? Does he simply allow the stereotype to ring true? Does he market himself as something separate from St. Louis? Does he take shots at everyone the stereotypes affect? Does he just give up?

"A Perfect Change" seems to be Bryant Stewart's answer. From a man who has been already been cosigned by hip-hop heavyweight bloggers 2dopeboys.com, Stewart attempts to introduce himself as someone to look out for while still showing his city love every chance he gets. The question now becomes: Was the introduction a good one?

Before I jump in, let me apologize. I know this is supposed to be an ALBUM REVIEW and this is technically a mixtape. I'm sorry if you felt misled. I'm also sorry that you're so much of a lame that you actually cared that It's not technically an album. Kick rocks.

Now that we got that out of the way...

Before getting into the actual canon of "A Perfect Change," Stewart gives us a taste of his eclectic style on Wake Up Call, mixing his rapping prowess with his ability to hold a note. He opens with the hardest verse he would spit on the mixtape, the rest being much more laid back. The energy sparked by this track is never lost, just transformed as you begin to know Bryant Stewart and his relationship with St. Louis and this newfound recognition he's gaining. After his energetic opening, the real project begins with Homemade, a brilliant ode to his hometown while being the strongest introspective track on the mixtape. The smooth beat blends well with his vocals during the chorus, which is one of the stronger instances of his singing voice that I've heard from Stewart yet.

Tip-top Flow focuses on Stewart's lyricism, but lacks the direction that most of the other tracks have. The good thing about this track is that it still manages to entertain, as his lyrics are strong enough to make someone not care that the track isn't particularly moving. We move from here to Flashing Lights, a track I love/hate. I love the subject matter and Bryant's execution. He truly gives Drake a run for his money, mixing his singing and his lyricism nearly flawlessly. This track, reminiscent of Dahlak Braithwaite's Flashing Lights, manages to take a tired concept and make it alive again. My issue is with the beat...which is strong for most of it until the chorus comes on and this annoying slayer comes on. That one instrument is extremely distracting. But overall, the song is strong.

I Never Say Nothing does a good job of feeding off the mood of the previous track, giving us a few frustrations from the new emcee. Not necessarily the best track ever made, but fits in well in this album. The chorus definitely steals the show on this track. Next, we have an interlude (I am Only Human) that I wish was a full-length song. (just sayin, the interlude was dope.) After that, the energy of the album is given a jump start with the only track to have a feature. Surprisingly, Bryant doesn't sing, and has his feature handle the vocals this time around on Blame it on the Game. DJ Corbett holds his own on the chorus while Bryant snaps on the verses, rivaling (but not equaling) his opening track in sheer attitude. If you're not a fan of the chill nature of the mixtape, this track will be the track that wins you over.

When it Rains is probably the weakest track on the mixtape, which is saying a lot because it's still enjoyable. The sample does the majority of the work for Bryant, who spits some inspirational yet playful verses in his chill style. The mixtape ends on Appreciation, a wonderful ending that pays homage to all the influences and support Bryant has received. It ends the album on a good note, leaving his newfound fans wanting more from him, especially with this lyrical showcase he puts on in the second and last verses.

Overall: St. Louis hasn't had a lot of reasons to be proud this year when it comes to Hip Hop. Aside from showcase before the Lupe concert (featuring Black Spade, Tef Poe,Rockwell Knuckles and Corey Black) and Nite Owl's last album (which was a slight disappointment), the 314 is in need of some newer music. Bryant Stewart gives notice that there is still talent in this city, and he does it in a sound that isn't traditional St. Louis hip-hop. In a year where J. Cole drops his heat, Wale drops "Back to the Feature" and Drake drops "So Far Gone," this mixtape could fly under the radar and not get the attention it deserves. That's a problem, as this mixtape is very well done and shows that Bryant Stewart is serious about his music.

To people in St. Louis: quit complaining about there not being any good music when you have an artist like this in your own backyard. Support this man as he grows into the musician he's meant to be. He just gave you the best mixtape that your city has produced in the past year. Hands down.

Want "A Perfect Change?"
Download the Mixtape here

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Been on some tough school stuff, so I haven't been able to focus lately. But I'm back in full gear, with more poetry, more opinions, some actual album reviews and some other ish.