Rel has released him sophomore CD entitled Mind Of A Maniac.
Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.The album seemed like a corrective measure in the opposite direction of Remember Me, bearing all the marks of an artist with his eye on a larger mainstream prize. The dark vibe of his debut was missing almost entirely.The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Rap isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate music like this. I'm of the opinion that Mind Of A Mind is certainly Rel's best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release.
While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 4 - If I Could Change The World, track 5 My Time Is Now-, track 6 Its Yours and track 2 - Respect Me
Tracks
Intro [I Quit]
The track starts off with Rel talking. He says: I quit, I retire.Ain't enough money in this rap game, to keep me around.Sorry Atlanta, I tried.Honest but hey ya'll
can go with me on this last ride with me though.The last of the real street rapper, well maybe not the last..Monte Carlos is gonna be a good rapper.New, improved Rel. Then Rel begins rapping.
2."Respect Me"
With verses and song like this Rel makes it clear that he is not playing. The young rapper showcases his lyrical skills on this Lil Wayne inspired track.
This song contains an sample from Lil Wayne's "Best Rapper Alive" as the hook. Lil Wayne sample :Swagger right (check) game tight
And they gon R-E-S-P-E-C-T me/Swagger right (check) game tight/And you should be afraid be very afraid.
3."Its Our Time" Feat Monte Carlos
This song is about an young successful drug dealer (Rel) who is running the drug trade in Atlanta. He notices an younger kid (Monte Carlos) who is hustling as well. Rel takes the Monte under his wing and teaches him the game. Monte Carlos moves up in the ranks and becomes Rel's right hand man. The song is an metaphor and throughout the song Monte Carlos and Rel trade lines back and forth throughout the song.
4"If I Could Change The World" Feat Cherise
Its about all the thing wrong in the world and everything that needs to be changed. Its an meaningful rap song but its also an semi-power ballad. Cherise provides an emotional hook and verse. Rel's verse on this song were good but its Cherise who steals the show on this track.
5.It's My Time Now" Feat Monte Carlos
This song is the sequel to "It's Our Time". In this track drug dealers Rel & Monte Carlos have came up now. They have gotten rich together and you would think that life is great but its not. Rel can't tell if it the "money' or what but he know that something is wrong with Monte Carlos. Truth be told Monte Carlos isn't happy with Rel because he feels that he is trying to take he does all the dirty work. In the end the two friends end up going to war. This a song about friendship and jealousy.
his shine. He's mad because Rel is making the most money and is the boss. Monte Carlos feels that they should be partners because
6."Its Yours" Feat Chloe
Its an song for your significant other. The concept is basically spoiling your love one and getting what every they want. This song is ultra catchy and will appeal to the masses. This track showcases another side the rapper.
7. Somebody Gon Pay
This song sound like a message to all of Rel's haters. The production sound like lil wayne ish. Rel addresses everything that people talk about from his drug use to him going to jail. Basically this song is bacuase Rel"s letter to the world saying he's not going no where.
8.Don't U Realize (I'm No Good) Feat Trell
This track is very soulful and introspect sounding. Trell & Rel make an good duo on this song. Production is good and lyrics are is even better.
The song is for to all women and mothers. Rel raps about how he treats woman and all things he do to hurt his mother. Rel also touches on how his father mistreated his mother and how he continued to do the same thing his father did to his women.
9."I'm Back"
The whole song he is talking about his relationship with the streets as they have always supported him. In the song Rel promised to never go commercial even when he "makes it". The rapper talks about never turning his back on the streets. Rel even claims that nobody makes music like he does. You can hear the sincereness in Rel's voice as he raps with an burning passion.
10.She's Been On My Mind
The beat is smooth and laid back. Rel slows his flow down and raps about an girl in the "industry" that he has been thinking about. In the song he cliams that he has worked with this female artist and ever since she has been on his mind. The song has fans wondering and speculating who the female is that Rel refers to in the song. Throughout the song Rel gives detail and hints on who it may be with lines like "I'm feeling you..are you feeling me?/Truth be told you never met a dude like me/I'm a g/ I rap & you do R&B/ Maybe we could be the next Jay & B.
Edited by user 09 January 2011 01:43:30(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified
