It seems as the years go on and Hip-Hop takes on its new found forms, lyricism in rap music has begun to slowly decay. We have come a long way from the 1990’s era of lyrical rap, and have started this new path towards Trap Pop. As a true Hip-Hop head I can say this popular trend I am seeing across the industry is saddening, and gives me deep cravings for rap music that has substance and lyricism, that helps lift up the culture. 

Luckily us true Hip-Hop fans are not completely out of luck. With this new wave of Pop Trap music taking over the mainstream, It creates a high demand for artists who appeal to the true rap community, and not only the current radio tone. An amazing example of a new artist taking on this role is Landon Marcel. A young artist coming out of Maryland who just independently released a 9 track Album titled “2017”. 

You can instantly feel the depth of the record in the first 30 seconds of the first track titled “(Intro)vert / This House”. Landon starts off the Album by saying, “Fire burns as slow as the world turns, every mistake is considered a lesson learned.” Giving the listener an amazing first impression that is built to last. Writing and creating music since he was just 7 years old, Landon Marcel continues throughout the entire project to show us his incredible skills, not only in his lyrical content but also in his tone and timing. The flow on song #4 titled “Vanity” allows the listener directly into the mind space of the artist, transforming any preconceptions one may have had about the project. 

If you are in search of new music to listen to and add to your playlist, I strongly suggest you give “2017” by Landon Marcel a full listen through. As a project it is concise, and straight to the point, while still taking the listener through a sonic journey of the landscape and thoughts of the artist himself. In an era where true Hip-Hop seems scarce, this album is a much needed escape, that will give you a whole new outlook on Rap/ Hip-Hop in 2020 as a whole. 

Checkout “2017” By Landon Marcel here: