Coming in from Austin Texas, the US rapper lands an impressive hit with his first full body of work. Why we should have seen it coming and why there’s no way around the album – we’ve got it covered for you.
When the Austin (TX) born and raised artist released his first single ‘Adolescence’ this summer, we should have paid much more attention. Yes, we heard it. Yes, we absolutely loved it.
But did any of us expect the young artist to back up the single track with a thirteen track long play of the exact same style and quality? Negative, and we ask for his forgiveness.
When soul samples and crafty lyricism meet modern sounds, urgent topics and drum patterns so organically and with such harmony, we are just completely in awe.
The album tells the story of Arod’s life and still consists of 13 songs that are strong enough to be single releases.
Whether he’s sharing stories about his childhood over pitched and chopped samples of the Dynamic Five’s ‘Beautiful Lady’ or going bar for bar over piano & string arrangements, his versatility and talent seem absolutely effortless.
It’s been a while that we looked at an artist as a full package at this early stage and said, he’s destined for greatness, but we see all the assets in Arod already.
With a voice that shines next to any of his (brilliantly picked) features, Arod songwriting doesn’t need crazy hooks or add lips. He’s got topic to talk about and shares deep insights into his life and dreams.
2020 has been a relatively uneventful year for music, apart from a few releases. An album as convincing and solid at the Austin rapper’s release comes close to a sensation. Not only the timing, but once again the effortless quality of the project easily throws him into any hip-hop and rap related discussion this year.
At this point, we also need to congratulate the artist and his team of producers on the beat picking and production. The collaboration and harmony of the individual elements on this album have a significant impact on the overall brilliance of the record.
Roderick Lee Brittenham, Arod’s actual name, has come very far. From an eventful childhood and youth to an artist that now has every reason to celebrate. Celebrate, what’s just the beginning.