Mainstream Underground (Album Review)

If great quality is what Hip Hop is crying out for, then Mainstream Underground by California-based MC, Eye-Que, is the answer. This album is composed of 14 tracks that display a mixture of contemporary, underground Hip Hop styles while acquiring the characteristics of pure and idealistic lyricism over raw, dynamic beats. The first single off of this album, entitled “What it Seems”, was released in 2008. Brother Shadrach‘s production accompanies lyrics which discuss the everyday encounters of a young black man in America. Much of the lyrics throughout the course of the album exemplify the contemplations of Eye-Que in the form of symbolic metaphors (as well as other figures of speech). It is evident, through the use of precise lyrics, that Eye-Que is highly influenced by some of the biggest names in the course of the history of hip-hop, having acquired stylistic attributes of legendary east-coast rappers (ie. Big L, Nas, to name a few).

The artistic values that lie within Mainstream Underground are those that typically go unseen and heard in popular Hip Hop and are more commonly present within in the music of independent (or “underground”) artist. As the sweet, grand piano-backed, and poetic introduction track suggests, Eye-Que battles with defining the difference between a “mainstream” and “underground” artist, and where the line is drawn.

Listeners like me would generally enjoy new, raw talent, that Eye-Que possesses. I recommend this album to any Hip Hop head, in any region of the nation! Whether your style rests upon the scene of East Coast rap, such as the Wu-Tang Clan or the Midwestern flare of Slum Village and Kanye West, Mainstream Underground is a must-have album to your Hip Hop collection. Among my favorite tracks on the album include: “I’m A Monsta”, “Just Another Day”, “My First Love”, “Open Your Eyes”, and “Growing Apart”, to name a few.  This type of work shows the determination of the artist and that pure lyricism and dope beats are essential in the creation of a quality Hip Hop album. If you haven’t already, you best download this dope album (why not, its free!) This is only a taste of what more works Eye-Que has for the future of his recording career.

Amaur

WeStillExist.com

Download the album for FREE, here!