Review: "TRIATHLON" Album by Anthone Ray
/
Anthone Ray is a Lynchburg, VA based rapper and producer whose music can be described as lyrical, energetic, wavy, smooth and diverse. He just dropped his new album titled “TRIATHLON”.
I’ll tell you, the first word that comes to mind after listening to this project is “diverse”. It seems like Anthone can do it all. He produced every beat, sung every hook and rapped just about every verse. When it comes to comparing him to mainstream artists, I would say that Anthone is a solid mix between Drake and Travis Scott. I’d say his rapping mirrors Drake’s at times, however Anthone is significantly more lyrical. Also, his hooks/singing is wavy, auto tuned and extremely full which reminds me of Scott. That being said, Anthone definitely has his own unique voice and sound along with these influences.
As a rapper myself, something I appreciate about Anthone’s project is the particular type of rapping he employs. In 2020, a new brand of rapping has taken over. This type of rap is less lyric focused and more about how things sound. Anthone is clearly a student of hip-hop as his raps are full of punchlines, similes and wordplay. There were several times I found my eyes widening as I caught a certain bar. That’s the type of rap I thoroughly enjoy.
The intro track, “RELAY” is the perfect way to begin the project as it showcases all of Anthone’s abilities. The production is excellent, there are PLENTY of bars, and there’s even a section of auto tune singing. This is a personal favorite of mine.
The third track, “OUT THE GATE” is in the running for the best song on the project in my opinion. While listening to it, I made sure to make a note that said “banger”. The song would be amazing to see performed live and it’s also a song that would do well in a party setting. Maybe even just jamming out in a full car.
I have to say, I was already impressed with the production. As I was listening I said to myself that it was unique and diverse. No two beats were the same and they were all creative and well-made. Once I found out the entire project, except for “BIG TALK”, was produced by Anthone (which was after I finished listening to it), I was even more impressed with his overall talent level.
A couple more songs that stuck out to me were “LATELY FREESTYLE”, because I love to just hear an artist simply rap, and the last track, “GOLD MEDAL DREAMS” which seems to sort of tie the entire project together.
Overall this project is extremely dope and unique. It made me an instant fan of Anthone Ray and gave me a bit more hope for the future of lyrical rap. I’m excited to see what he drops next.