It’s interesting, I’ve always been a fan of simplicity, but this album cover really took me. It is kind of crazy how mesmerized I was by the simplistic album cover but not unusual. I’ve been known to juxtapose a piece of art or two in my day. Upon first listen of this Fort Lauderdale MC, I had no expectations. As one who is extremely critical of underground MC’s these days, I took this with a grain of salt and knowing as only this album cover about Trav Williams, I got all the hip hop I could handle.

The album has a variety of underground production that gives it an underground feel. If you don’t understand by now, this album kind of screams underground in just about any way. As an artist, Trav acts like a role player on a team; the grinder, the rebounder, the enforcer, etc. and does his job perfectly. But one’s greatest strength could be his greatest flaw as well.

It is important as an underground MC to present something extremely fresh and new. The opening track,” Walk Wit Me,” comes off as a cliché track about journey and reflection. Unlike most tracks on this album as well, this particular track drags on a little bit too long. The popular Mountain sample, or “Stepson of the Clapper” for all the Dilla fans, forms as the background for the DJ Skinny produced “Say It Loud” which more or less is a continuation of the aforementioned “Walk Wit Me.”

The horns of “The Anthem” blare in as Keenan (of “Brazilian Gangster” hype) drops a Pete Rock-esque beat and Trav drops some extremely passionate rhymes: I’m so sick of this working for the white folks/ getting paid minimum wage to keep the lights on/ stressed/ but still scribing in my notepad/ mom raised a man with no help and no dad. The second and third verses of this track are extremely strong and make me ponder the potential Trav has. “Something New” seems similar to something that the Cool Kids or Kids in the Hall would do with that particular braggadocio and smack talk.

At track 6 enters a personal favorite: “Tag-A-Long.” The production by the Distinguished Gents using this beautiful Delfonics sample is done to near perfection. Trav speaks humorous on the particular subject matter of a third-wheel, something most guys I’m sure have experienced. “Pressure” and “Moment” are both more heartfelt, passionate lyrical displays equaled with the production, with the latter of tracks being a tribute song and the former speaking of home being a part of Trav regardless of what happens.

It’s evident that Trav is all about hip hop. The blood, sweat, and tears allusion can certainly be applied to Trav and his team of producers who put out a rather good album. But as mentioned, Trav sticks to his role and never really display anything new or fresh (even “Something New” is being beaten to death these days). Go back to my comments about the album cover, simplicity. This seems to be the theme of the album due to its very ‘stay at home’ mentality. It plays things safe and as a result, at times this album felt repetitive, but the hunger in this MC kept me listening. It’s hard to hate something that you can tell has so much hard work put into it. Up and comers: take note.

Notable Tracks: “Tag-a-long”. “The Anthem”, “Pressure”

Tag-a-long

The Anthem

Pressure

Overall Rating: 69/100

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