STYLE: Hip-Hop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 156449-23041 LABEL: Role Model FORMAT: Digital Only Mini-album
Reviewed by Alan Reid
This seven-song release by Toronto raised hip-hop artist Dru Bex is seasoned with personal messages from people in Dru's life. While likely to be recreations, they give the listener great contextual insight into the world this set was conceived from. The opening "Intro" sets this scene and draws us in to explore rapper. It rolls gently into "Mountain Top" where we hear from an old friend of Bex'. The response is a scathing critique of his friend's failings and short comings. The vocals of Katie Carlene paints a powerful picture of his self-righteousness and Dru narrates God's correction of his attitude. The party track of the collection, "Goin' Up", delivers some smooth vocals and lyrical fluidity. The pace then slows again for the heartfelt open letter about his endless struggle for unattainable perfection. The beat and stringed instrumental dance together through Bex' emotional journey. The title track concludes the journey with testimony from Dre Murray. Both artists reflect over a synthesised instrumental, divided up by complimentary male vocals giving strength to this final chapter. It would be perfectly valid to say that this mini-album may not blow you away, admittedly my first listen didn't leave me wanting more, but as I nestled in to hear what Dru was trying to say the whole outing made sense and challenged me, his tale wound itself into the music, and I found 'Imperfect Messenger' to be impactful and kept drawing me back for more.
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