POPMFS goes hard on this full-length EP, bringing hip hop fans some absolute classic vibes and some pretty unforgettable new tracks to embrace. Where Ya Been is the perfect opener, a high energy anthem with a melodic backdrop and a multi-vocal sense of togetherness – offering that essential, self-empowering aura that listeners often turn to the genre for. A great song and a great introduction to the project.
Po N*gga Rich N*gga follows the opener with a similar level of intensity and weight. This is far from your quiet-night soundtrack, on the contrary – these tracks are designed to get you moving. The lyrics here take that confidence and that drive to work hard and to succeed even further, offering multiple layers of motivational pride, not to mention a quickly memorable hook.
Grinding Hard pushes all of this even further and introduces one of the most colourful and characterful soundscapes of the collection. There’s also an effective level of contrast utilized between the verses and the hook, the space and the quieter moments let those afterwards hit with immense impact. This EP is easily the soundtrack to your hustle – the big beats and the passion in the voices, alongside of these lyrics, work hard to keep you in the zone and to remind you what you’re working for.
The unforgettable Jump Out makes an appearance on this EP and is recognisable from the offset for those who stumbled upon it during the summer. You can hear why it made for a fitting single, the sound and the hook, the music, all stands out quite distinctively. New Bitch follows with a similar musical set-up, the vocal delivery is a little more mellow – just a little. The story-line is more personal, intimate and relationship-related, adding eclecticism and actually letting the audience get a little closer to the artist behind the writing. The beat evolves throughout in a uniquely interesting way.
Georgia Tech sees the mood change again, the EP turns down a few new pathways as it progresses. This is a dark and fascinating soundscape that takes its time to build. There’s a sense of weight and drama to the melodies and the vocal delivery that draws your attention and holds tight to it throughout. The title and the opening bars of lyricism intrigue and add something unpredictable to the mix.
The EP finishes up with the song ATM, one that again stands out and makes for a final highlight. While it feels like one of the more mainstream or modern of all the tracks on the collection, it also offers a fairly retro, almost gaming-like musicality, and this, fused with the notably rhythmic vocal delivery of today, makes for something pretty fresh and likely to connect with a contemporary audience.
The recording style throughout this EP has a mildly vintage feel in some respects, but the louder you play it, the harder it hits – and rightfully so. As stated, this isn’t a project to be experienced at low volumes. When you turn it up you hear more of the details and you feel the impact much more intensely. The sound is POPMFS undoubtedly, you quickly acclimatize to and recognise it. There’s personality and passion intertwined throughout. It’s a strong dose of classic, genuine hip hop for those who have missed it.
Stream the EP on Spotify. Find & follow POPMFS on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Visit his Website for more info.
