Detroit emcee/producer Marv Won returns for his 5th full-length solo LP, albeit his first since signing to Mello Music Group. Coming up as a member of the world famous Fat Killahz, he rose to prominence on the battle circuit and has released his last 4 albums along with a couple of EPs. It's been over 2 years since we last heard Marv on his 3rd EP Hagler & seeks to answer all who inquire of his welfare by simply saying I'm fine, thanks for asking.
The title track is a self-produced boom bap opener that expresses that his feelings aren't allowed when they definitely are and that they really expect him to save their asses, while Twin Towers' “Measuring Stick” featuring eLZhi brings 3 Motor City Titans coming together for a heavy, bass-heavy anthem that resonates with the hard city life. Freeway's “Roc Nation Brunch” combines epic instrumentation and Tommy Hearns-pounding Joe Louis drums to deliver a tableau of Black excellence while “Purple” is about a woman being destroyed by a kind of love.
“It's Ok” takes a smoother approach providing organic comfort food to those just trying to get by today, while “Higher” brings in that fantastic vocal sample so Marv can reasonably talk about being a better person. “Say My Name” featuring Monica Blair soulfully encourages recognition by saying their names out loud so they know who they're fucking with, but then “Nosy” featuring rapper Big Pooh returns to boom bap explaining why they couldn't sell drugs .
Quelle Chris delivers the hook on penultimate track “Good Thangs” creating an aural experience that feels like a journey from the depths of darkness to the first light of dawn, orchestrating a narrative of resilience, guiding listeners through a transformation from enduring her hardships life in enjoying its brighter moments and subtly reminds us of the virtue of humility, warning of the pitfalls of greed and encouraging us to hold our heads high in adversity before 'Grand Piano' ends the LP by stripping down the drums to celebrate.
For his MMG debut, one of the Motor City's most prolific battle MCs takes us on a soulful effort that weaves tales of struggle and triumph inspired by his storied life in his hometown. He brings a lyrical ferocity to his unrivaled raw and heartfelt rhymes, showcasing a seamless fusion of his playing and production with storytelling that goes beyond simple lyrics that paint vivid portraits of life in the D. In a masterful blend of production and rap, this album is pure Detroit in its soul and sound that resonates with the hard life of the city.
Rating: 9/10
