Recent years’ boom bap records have all sounded a bit as if DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Jay Dee and 9th Wonder were their sources of inspiration. The Earn immediately sounds familiar, but doesn’t quite seem to fit into one of these standard-drawers. Content-wise, it’s about a call for honesty, self-reliance and organic growths, which is also reflected in the beats. The prevailing mood on yU’s second record is a relaxed or thoughtful one – critically examined, however, it is a bit monotonous (except the track Even If, which sounds rather funky). Other lyrics are about making money (like The Earn, Money or Make a Living ), a third group can be identified as different track-concepts: First is a brainstorming about all kinds of ‘firsts’, on Time Machine, yU is laying out his family history and Write On is dedicated to the art of songwriting. All in all, yU does without complicated train of thoughts, words and flows – but it’s exactly this casual simplicity which makes the record be so very likable. This kind of rap, which appears refreshing within its very own borders, evokes curiosity and drew my attention to Diamond District and other projects from around Washington, D.C., which yU has had his hands in.
Carmike
Comin’ At Yo Ass
Now-Again