GOODboy iQue’s, “Sleep Walking With A Pen” contains everything you could possibly want in a mixtape – Hardcore beats, soulful grooves, and a compelling lyricist who transports the listeners to the farthest realm of their collective imagination through his mastery of metaphors, flow and delivery.
The project’s opener, “Sleep Walking Intro,” possesses a drowsy, dream-like quality. iQue details the lows of his struggle for success(“performing at the mall in front of 6 kids” “…and going to the bars wit’ the chicks/It’s attention they not payin’ you at all…”), but is determined to stay on his grind. “Ride With Me” allows the emcee to showcase his wit & tell the audience what he’s about over a smooth, jazzy track(“A GOODboy, so I keep focused/I’m gettin’ high, I don’t need smokin’/I’m being Frank, but don’t think Ocean)while “Get Loose”(feat. D. Will)sounds like the kind of funky house party jam that keeps neighbors begging for an invitation. “Jordan 24’s” finds the rapper stressing over whether or not he should buy that dope pair of kicks, DESPITE the fact he might not have any money left to eat for the rest of the week. “Take Off”(feat. Kyra)is a catchy track that serves as a testament to iQue’s willpower and positive outlook, as he explains that haters only provide motivation for him to advance and ultimately win.
The “Papa Nigga Interlude” showcases iQue playfully crooning about how he’s gonna change the game while “Stepmom” revolves around a story about a crazy, gold-digging step mother. The production is eerie & off center. It’s actually reminiscent of something you might hear in the background of an old “Tales From The Crypt” episode. Soon it trails off into “Wordplay” which features an “electric” delivery from talented newcomer Nicolayus Ali. “Stalker”(Prod. by Audie Haile)is a track about iQue’s unhealthy obsession for a girl. Needless to say, things don’t work out. On the surface, “Nervous”(ft. Nicolayus Ali, Tsmope & Ti-Lar Bee)appears to be about a female who has so much going on that she throws iQue off his game, but it’s really a platform for his creative associates to shine. None of them disappoint.
The “Cuz of Drinks” Interlude gives us a warped, trippy break from the action before flowing into the rhyme spitter’s masterful “Call On.” Stand out lines: “I’m a referee and soldier/I’m official with my stripes/Never question me I told ya/with the pencil I am nice.” And this gem – “Don’t let the critics pick your life or the guys in your bunch/To be stable, you need a label, you not grindin’ enough/…so I’m signin’ for what? No machine by my side, I ain’t Shia Labeouf.” “It Was A Bad Day” is an exceptional remake of Ice Cube’s Isley Brothers sampled classic, with the emphasis on the negative. But you should know by now, iQue always finds a guiding light in the darkest moments. We know his temporary setbacks never mean a final defeat. “Story of Steve”(Feat. Kyra & Tsmope)describes the sad and violent tale of a drug dealer. Kyra’s sweet vocals are a nice contrast to Tsmope’s flawless delivery. “Pretty Words”(Feat. Kdash)is a story about a man’s love & affection for a young mother and her child. The impressive track will keep your head nodding as the GOODboy rapper & Kdash effortlessly flex their skills in the booth. “Get Away”(Feat. Tim White)wraps up the entire production with lyrical fury from two emcees who have the hunger and desire to go all the way to the top. The track leaves you on a high, with its soaring chords and samples.
GOODboy iQue comes correct with “Sleep Walking With A Pen.” The emcee represents the best of what underground Hip Hop has to offer…and let’s never forget, he’s part of a crew consisting of GOODboy Galexie & GOODboy Theory who are both brilliant lyricists in their own right. The S.W.W.A.P. mixtape is what music is all about. Don’t sleep on this SleepWalker With A Pen. GOODboy iQue is going for the gold, but in time, his dreams will be rewarded with platinum success.
– Kevin Keith
