I always wondered if I’d ever grow out of my love for rap music but little did I know that ears would just evolve over time. While I may not be seeking the same vibes I was back in the day, I’m still forever on the hunt for dope sh*t. But there still are those few veteran emcees that I will always peep when they drop something. Off the top, I can think of that list as Royce, Roc Marci, MURS, Elzhi, Blu, Phonte, and last but not least, Evidence.
Evidence in the studio
I have more responsibilities now as a father so my time with music isn’t as much as it used to be. I have to be wise and fill my eardrums efficiently with the little time that I can find during the day. I’m at a creative stage in my career so I’m looking for artists that push boundaries with their art to help motivate me. Evidence does just that.
Evidence looked up to his mother who was a photographer and Evidence is a fresh photographer himself. He applies that same photography aesthetic to his approach on the mic and boards and his fans who are truly down recognize this. He dropped his track “Unlearning” last year and the beat was so fresh. Lyrics were on point as usual and he was in the pocket with his delivery. This was some classic Ev ish.
A lot of time passed and I wasn’t sure if “Unlearning” was a loosie or would end up on a new album. My questions were answered about a month ago when another new track dropped called “Better You.” I heard the line, “My story’s like a mystery and this will be my moment” and my head nod started snapping even more. Evidence is just one of those rappers that inspires me and the video took it to a whole new level. Shout out to Stephen Vanasco on the video. This black & white steez is too damn fresh. ALC on the beat.
In today’s music scene, artists don’t care much about their album launches but Rhymesayers and Evidence are handling this rollout perfectly for the new album. I’m a big brand guy myself and I respect a product launch when handled right because it builds buzz for the release and the slow drip has you feigning for more. This music is my heroin and I know that’s a weird thing to say but the true heads reading this will understand.
The most recent song that dropped was “All of That Said” with Boldy James on the feature. The beat from Evidence is on some 60’s classic rock shit and both emcees kill their verses. Griselda made a wise move signing Boldy James because he fits with that crew perfectly. Griselda needs to drop a compilation with all of their artists like Cole did with that Dreamville joint. Bring ALC, Gibbs, Evidence, Roc Marci, Curren$y, CRIMEAPPLE, Earl, Navy Blue, Jay Worthy, Samiyam, and Budgie to the studio with all of the Griselda artists and I guarantee they’d drop a classic. More labels need to do this. Kanye and Cole both struck gold doing it so why aren’t more following the blueprint? Anybody got Westside’s contact info? I’m ready to pitch him on the concept…. Nah, I’m being serious though. Let me be a damn fly on the wall for that shit getting high on the secondhand smoke as history was being recorded.
Evidence’s new album, Unlearning Vol. 1 is now out. The album is amazing. The production sets a tone for Evidence and all of the emcees featured to do their thing on the beats. Not many artists make true albums anymore but that’s exactly what Evidence did. This song right here??? Wow…. Next level sh*t.
Evidence is dropping… ALC has stayed active… The world is opening back up and artists are going to start touring again. Gotta imagine a new Step Brothers album and tour is dropping at some point right?? Here’s my Evidence and Alchemist aka Step Brothers Spotify playlist I put together awhile ago to hold us over until their next album.