Review: "Endangerment" Album by T.E.E
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Rather than braggadocio or descriptions of drip that have been overwhelming rap, Goldsboro, North Carolina based artist T.E.E is here to bring us a more relatable album for the everyman, while still pushing us to do better. A lot of us have found ourselves in a pandemic-related slump, and this motivational, ambition-peddling work entitled “Endangerment”, is exactly what we need to hear.
The first track “Get It” is a cold and ruthless reminder to get back on that hustle. The beat is delightfully minimal but hard-hitting, reminiscent of a drill beat. This rapper’s unique delivery and vocal timbre piqued our interest. Whether this is a reminder for you to get up and get to it or the soundtrack to your workout, this track is versatile and has a timeless feel.
T.E.E references his inspirations as Meek Mill and Rick Ross, and while that’s immediately evident from his songs, it doesn’t feel overly derivative. His tracks are aspirational, also dedicated to his thoughts and surroundings. There’s a sense of self-awareness that intrigues us.
“Worth” is another standout that starts with a brightly tinkling piano. “Worth” showcases T.E.E’s lyrical talents, as he reminds his competition that his lyrical lessons don’t come for free: “Show ‘em how to do verses well, but I have to tax ‘em.” Still, he’s not above sharing his mental health struggles, which we’ve all inevitably dealt with recently, “My depression got me stressin’, existential drip.”
“Self Made” ups the tempo and pushes the competition to the side with the help of artists GenWorld and Jhony Allen West the Sketch. With energy, the chorus delivers: “Get out my face/get out my way/get off my case/or run this fade/y’all n*ggas made that I’m self made.” Targeting sellouts and those who climb the networking ladder, T.E.E is clearly focused on his own journey, and getting there on his own terms.
“Music Junkies” on the other hand is an homage to the artist’s authentic and genuine passion for music over clout. T.E.E also produces beats along with his raps, and for him, music always comes first. With “I’m a music junkie/I don’t f*ck with y’all/with the tools on me/I be dropping these bombs,” he flexes his production and the behind-the-scene process that many rappers aren’t a part of.
T.E.E is about the anatomy of a song, not just getting the glory for delivering it.
“We’ll Be Right Back” featuring 2FLY KING departs from the Meek-style delivery and slows it down to a lazy, old school (and beautifully mixed) beat, giving us a chance to catch up with this fiery artist. This fluid track goes down like honey and is definitely a DCWS favorite.
Authenticity is something the industry has been lacking for a while, and it’s soul-fulfilling to see that independent rappers like T.E.E are still pushing the envelope, and hungry for their next chapter.