Straight from the website: "Epic has been rapping for over 10 years, making his mark in the Crenshaw District of South Central LA. This debut intermixes the west, south, and east with Epic's smooth delivery of hip hop. Epic will appeal to those who like the style of artists such as Jay-Z, Dela Soul, and Q-Tip." I put that there for a reason. Most of the marketing propaganda spewed on you by some intern versed in Good Will Hunting is the biggest load. For once, somebody gets it right. No hype, just the truth. Epic surprised me, because when people say West Coast rapper I expect some West Coast Rappin. Even the hip hop in the west is a slight variation of east coast headbangin' and native tongues. Epic caught me with some nice tales of life from perspectives not seen before. Usually I give reality rappers, as I call them, little spin, because sometimes they get so deep into their story they forget I need to be entertained or have a revelation. This is where godly warnings can fall on deaf ears sometimes, because some rappers are caught up in their past. Not here. Epic digs down deep for the truth and shares the knowledge, not wallowing in it. He's not presumptuous or holier than thou. Nice release, BR. Only one problem, and this is a problem most new releases are falling into these days. Middle of the road production makes this one have slightly less longevity. Not the arrangements, not the melodies, but the "oomph" factor. When Epic is spitting a nice verse I want to bob my head, but the lackluster kick drum makes me mellow again. I understand where this comes from -- lack of funds. All Christian hip hop is guilty of this, and I pray for the day we can all do God's work in $250,000 studios. Until then, I call it like it is. Pick it up.
