The Upper Hand (feat. Mr. J. Medeiros & 20syl)

🔥 🔥🔥

Perf!

The new duo of L.A. rapper Mr. J. Medeiros (pronounced Muh-deer-us) and French producer 20syl called AllttA release their heavy debut LP The Upper Hand through On And On Records, and despite its lyrical complexities and loaded subject matter, it sort of feels like a heartbeat away from being a pop rap crossover, mostly because of 20syl’s groovy, electro dance club beats, nu-disco music if that makes more sense. Medeiros shoots his quick flash rhymes on love, fame, celebrity-worship, race, religion, injustice and childbirth with more than an air of awareness. The issue arises in that Medeiros brings forth all these sad and intriguing truths but doesn’t slow down to discuss what we can do and how we should respond to them. It’s interesting but also troubling that on “The Woods,” the chorus states that “who controls the past controls the future.” That’s obviously not a reassuring prospect in light of who and what has been controlling the world. For the most part though, The Upper Hand may not have a leg up on the best rap ever, but it’s a pristine, finely mastered hip-hop project that does explore some of those less than comfortable topics and areas with which we need to get acquainted.

I love the beats and the lyrics.

Mr. J is one of those underground veteran gems. His discography is off the chain if you just take the time to listen. His level of lyricism is super deep and is a tried and true artform. This collab here is one that I have been waiting to hear from since I first heard about the project. Something clicked with these two and it's super evident in this album. This album IS A MUST HAVE hands down!!! All you rap heads that are looking for some fresh bars and killa beats... Look no further cause J and 20syl mastered that feat!