Sharp and smart raps feel perfectly at home amidst the dark and motivational atmosphere of a classic hip hop soundscape. Reggie Da Blanko captivates and impresses, with the poetry, drive and contemplation of Empire City.
Old-school vocals that are faultlessly rhythmic, the end of each phrase echoed for that nostalgic depth and a sense of unity to further the song’s driving force – Empire City is timeless by nature, and boldly original in its conscious framing of ideas and the development of the story.
Reggie Da Blanko connects in a way that feels quite far removed from the simplicity and surface-level volume of much of modern hip hop and pop. His storytelling is dark and beautiful, personal yet all-inclusive in terms of the topical and relevant references scattered throughout the track.
It’s an inspiring listen, the music near-euphoric as the performance gathers momentum and passion, the lyrics balancing scornful reflections on the modern world with more personal anecdotes and observations; those relating to the individual journey and the need to push forwards.
Empire City fascinates, sets the mood and captivates, and shows a little more of its own conceptual depth and prowess with each re-listen. Reggie Da Blanko makes use of absolutely no filler for this track, you’ll find nothing lyrically familiar or there simply to bulk up the bars. Every line has value, an intention to provoke thought or connect and keep you involved, and that’s an exceedingly rare quality in music these days.
A powerful take, and a strong introduction to a rapper and artist with a growing repertoire of high-quality original rap tracks to his name.
Download Empire City via Bandcamp. Find Reggie Da Blanko on Instagram.
