If you’re craving new music, you don’t have to look very far, especially when there’s a host of platforms readily available at the fingertips for anyone with a smartphone. The downside is the arduous task of weaving through the overabundance of “minute made” music just to uncover those diamonds in the rough.
That’s what makes playlists, link sharing, and retweets (basically the new form of ‘word of mouth’) all the more important. In the sea of memes, politics, entertainment news, and melodrama, it’s nice when one of those “gems” surfaces on my timeline. I was reminded of that joy of when I was put on to a producer and engineer by the name of Fifth God and his debut project “The Fifth Tape,” that unbeknownst to me would become my new go-to when I’m craving a rap fix. Weeks later, I’m still bumping this project from start to finish on repeat, a testament to the level of craftsmanship and love that went into this album.
“The idea for what has now become ‘The Fifth Tape’ was rooted in humble and sincere beginnings. I had only one simple intention when starting to formulate this LP back in 2014: To create an album of music that I could personally be proud of.”
These days I’m finding it challenging to enjoy a new release to its fullest. In an age where EP’s and singles are becoming the norm, there’s definitely an appreciation for Fifth’s tape. Clocking at fifteen tracks with features from Skyzoo, Fashawn, Madwiz, Marlon Craft, King Critical, Ab-Soul, Tragedy Khadafi, Dot Demo, Chris Wattz and more, rap fans are in for a full course meal in the form of an LP. Real, talk anything less would be like craving food from the best spot in town only to find out it’s closed up early for the day. Fortunately, that’s not the case here at all. Collaborating with Blank Noriega, Fifth’s Tape definitely upholds a sound that’s rarely heard these days. Rather than follow trends, Fifth wanted to create something that pays homage to the culture and its roots. The overall feel of the project is cohesive to where not a single track feels out of place. The interludes, guest features, the beats, the samples, all of it merges beautifully with a balance that’s both gritty and conscious. The Fifth Tape is more than just an album. It’s an experience. It’s New York. It’s Hip-Hop.
“If you don’t know Fifth God, you’re not on, you’re not on, you don’t know nothing if you don’t know Fifth God…”
by Lorenzo Gee @Lorenzogeedmv
Spotify:
