In “Matemadanda” Drew is free of that trap star air which appeared to be part of his being in “Cheese” and some previous songs of his. Here, his rap is cleaner, more mature and definitely hits harder. Not to mention that intricate chorus which does not rely on catchy overtones and feels just right. The song is an indication of how far he’s come from the halcyon days of “Guardian of the Garden”.
Beatsmith dark, brooding, flute-y and foreboding production is an invaluable piece of the whole project, and Drew, very careful in his delivery, rides it out with the demeanour of someone exercising serious restraint, lest he wreaks havoc.
Matemadanda’s movement-esque air is the reason why we cannot keep it together while we wait for Drew The MC’s upcoming album, Vagabond.
Drew The MC – They Want Cash
Clearly Drew The MC is immune to the artists’ version of “writers’ block”. His bars in “They Want Cash” retain the same aggression and virtuosity found in “IV Claver Freestyle”, and moreso with them, he confirms his self-appointed title of “Lyrical Criminal”. True to type, his flows in this song have a crude nature and in all honesty, we wouldn’t have it any other way. “They Want Cash” starts off with the air of a craddle-song and quickly switches to a stormy vibe, and everything sort of falls into place when Drew jumps on it.
While we’d like to put all our faith in Drew’s abilities, it goes without saying that the song would’ve not been the same without a Beatsmith production. It is quite unfathomable that this song will not be in his new album, “Vagabond”, but either way, it remains a win-win for us.
Drew The MC – Pink Jersey
With the world slowly changing around us and our sanity gradually slipping away, it is quite comforting to know that some things are remaining exactly the same. Drew The MC is still the same Drew from “Guardian of the Garden” and that sort of fortifies our minds’ peace.
That being said, “Pink Jersey” could easily fit in his old projects. The song’s good verse (the first one) is a collection of all the reasons why Drew is still a relevant part of the rap game. He delivers his lines cleverly and calmly and that all contributes in large part to their clarity. He’s a good distance from that “Mumbling Devotion”.
More also, with the direction he seems to be taking in “Matemadanda”, its easy to see why “Pink Jersey” is merely for the music lovers.
Drew The MC – Mangoma
On “Mangoma”, Drew fails to live up to the song’s unsubtle claims, and certainly fails to live up to the nice things people tend to say about his music. “Tinorova hedu mangoma”, he raps unconvincingly on the song’s very repetitive chorus.
The verse, on the other hand, with its few lines, is comparatively passable and salvageable, and perhaps the only reason for enduring this particular song.
On the flipside, the song’s production is provided by Beatsmith, who’s obviously not a new ally. And as always (no bias, no cap!), its a fiery laid back arrangement that should be given another chance.
And with this song being excluded from Drew The MC’s upcoming album, “Vagabond”, we’re still keen!
