:: Rhymefest - Blue Collar

Rhymefest

Aptly titled “Blue Collar,” Rhymefest’s debut album is instilled with a strong underdog theme. The South-side Chicago rapper’s fresh new sound and gritty urban rhymes address everyday struggles that everyday people experience. Unlike a lot of current hip-hop, Rhymefest’s style is more light-hearted and much more diverse (a lot less political with a bit of gangster rap). The album plays host to an impressive cast: “Feel Free (Intro)” features Q-Tip, “Brand New” (Rhymefest’s first single release) and “More” features Kanye West and “All Girl’s Cheat” features Mario - so if you can’t rap, you can still sing along. The first half of the album consists of traditional hip-hop tracks turned melodic thanks to a range of secondary vocals, while the latter half of the album surprisingly leans towards R’n’B, gospel and even ’60s do wop. “Stick” is a hot track with all the makings of a hit song. The last track “Build Me Up” is an unlikely modern urban remake of “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations. It’s a street-style rap-infused song that is just as catchy as the original track — it gets the left-right shoulder action going. Backed by Kanye West and Dr Dre, “Blue Collar” has some really solid tracks that may just last and withstand some of the tough hip hop competition around — just as long as Rhymefest keeps on keeping it real.