Hip Hop fans are familiar with the names of production talents like Pete Rock, Large Professor, and Diamond D. But it’s rare, in what is essentially a male-dominated genre, to hear a female beat maker who reaches the same artistic heights as those legends of the music scene while carving out her own unique niche in the industry. Celin Carlo-Gonzalez, aka Seneca B, is a one woman production force hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. She may only be 19, but the creativity and craftsmanship showcased on her latest instrumental opus, “Friends,” is evidence of a rising artist who possesses a wealth of musical knowledge that extends far beyond her years.
The project begins with “Get Down,” a laid back, Biggie sampling, composition of sonic nirvana that made me an instant believer in Seneca’s brand new bag of funk. It revives the Golden Era Boom Bap sound sorely missing from today’s monotonous, overproduced presentation of the music. Simplicity works wonders! She follows that with another gem titled “Rivers” and ups the ante by incorporating elements of Jazz into the mix. “Break Of Dawn” will bring back memories of hanging out all night with good friends and partying ’til, well…the break of dawn! “Ko.Cane” is aptly named because it’s the kind of track that will keep you up all night, nodding your head to the funky beats and spellbinding rhythms. “Blase” is a cut that’s anything but. You can’t be indifferent about a song that immediately reels you in with its sinister vocal sample & piano chords.
“Gone” is an interesting yet somewhat mystifying track due to the arrangement of the horn and vocal samples. On the surface, Seneca appears to have created a song that honors a loved one’s passing. However, the music never truly feels downbeat or depressing. In fact, the instrumentation has a sensual or even humorous element to it. Listeners will get the sense that the producer is laughing in the face of death…as if to say, “It’s not my time yet. I have way too much to do!” My curiosity has definitely been piqued after numerous attempts to unravel the true meaning behind the tune…but the answer lies somewhere in the music. I’ll gladly listen again to dig a little deeper. “IMY” is a soulful, reflective masterpiece that conveys intense desire and the constant tug-o-war that occurs in a heated, passionate relationship…”Lovin’ you can’t change me.” “Friends,” the centerpiece of the entire collection, utilizes the Eddie Kendricks “Intimate Friends” sample many will associate with Alicia Keys’ 2005 track, “Unbreakable.” Backed by a funky drum pattern, the song shoots for and SUCCEEDS in delivering aural ecstasy to the masses. You can play this at any gathering. If anything, it makes for a good conversation piece that might introduce NEW friends into your circle! “Struggles” once again delves into painful relationship issues. The tune summons images of anger and loneliness that can only be (temporarily) washed away by turning to the bottle and knocking back a few. “Too Much Time On My Hands” is the aftermath of the struggle. It’s that particular moment in life where you ask yourself, “What do I do now?” Seneca B searches for an answer and finds it on this exhilarating cut.
“Changes” represents a momentary dip back into the darkness. Seneca B tries to pick up the pieces of her life as the powerful track beckons her to move forward while the “devil on her shoulder” tempts her to do otherwise. “Wake up in the morning an’ I ask myself/ Is life worth living/Should I blast myself?” Her very soul is at risk, but Seneca will emerge triumphant. She possesses the heart and soul of a warrior. Defeat is never a reality! “Friends By Night” allows Seneca to lash out at her ex through lush grooves and well chosen samples. “You could’ve rescued me from drowning”…”I hope you know I ripped all of your pictures off the wall!” The battle isn’t over ’til she comes out on top! “Gentle Threats” is a track that must be dissected more so than described. Every layer of sound that went into the construction of this production masterwork is a thing of beauty. You don’t have to be a Hip Hop purist to appreciate how all the elements(piano, horns, beats, vocal samples) seamlessly fall into place to trigger a mood of nostalgia that will make the most hardcore thug on the planet shed a tear. My reaction to this cut is one of pure amazement. The world says “THANK YOU” in unison. “Lies” is an irresistible, hypnotic banger that blends in otherworldly harmonies. It sounds like a person’s soul is being spirited away to some kind of party purgatory while the forces of good and evil deliberate on the outcome. It doesn’t matter which decision is made as long as the final destination is FUNKY! Another compelling cut bathed in Boom Bap wraps up our sonic adventure in the form of “Dreams.” If you expected a sweet send-off you’d be wrong! Seneca B serves up serious flavor for our palette and says if you don’t like it “F**k all y’all!”
After listening to the album, I have nothing but praise for this seriously talented producer who registers as both beauty and BEAST behind the boards. It’s not difficult to see that she will gain plenty more friends…and FANS once they hear this album. Hip Hop producers are a dime a dozen…but Seneca B breaks through the crowded field to emerge as one of the best.
– Kevin Keith
