Review: "Mongo Slade" EP by Rich Writer
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Bronx based rap artist Rich Writer possesses a sharp wit on the flawless flows of his debut EP, “Mongo Slade”. With the title referencing Bill Cosby’s character from the movie, Let’s Do It Again, there is a lot to explore here.
The samples themselves add to this richness of the storytelling. Rich Writer lets the grooves decide their own pace. Everything here is about atmosphere, for the rhythms have a leisurely pace to make sure that every single detail is fully celebrated. Over the course of the EP, Rich Writer proves to be exceptionally well-listened with a jazzy noir. Layer upon layer intermingles to craft this distinct level of oddity.
The sampling on here is so stellar that it brings up elements of MF Doom’s meticulous productions. I mean, how many hip-hop albums incorporate a sample from a theremin and make it sound effortless. A degree of a stoned demeanor brings to mind groups like Das Racist’s humor. With the sound gaining a degree of an ancient, rather classic spirit they prove to have a similarity alongside the Flatbush Zombies for the fidelity is that full and that completely realized.
“The Intro” starts things up setting the mood. On “Contradictions”, the track has a fiery presence to it, with references to Rick & Morty adding to the grounded quality. Verses have a hazy demeanor on the cleverness of “All Bad”. “Perspectives” cuts things down to the essentials with a boom-bap percussion adding to its haunted presence. Going for a bit of a change comes the conversational “The interlude”.
By far the highlight, “Drake Emotions”, featuring Sidda, has a honeyed aspect to it. Reminding me a bit of Common’s intimacy, there is a tenderness to these tones. Kaleidoscopic “Who Knew” explores a psychedelic quality to it, with harps intermingling with the taut beats that skitter on above. Nice vibraphone sampling starts “Round And Round” off right, and that additional sample is warped, warbled and twisted in unexpected ways. Bringing it all home “The Outro, featuring Mo Lowery, closes it off.
The “Mongo Slade” EP proves Rich Writer to be an exceptional wordsmith, with narratives that tie in the personal framing them with historical references to give them additional depth.