STYLE: Hip-Hop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 161503-23943 LABEL: Rapzilla FORMAT: Digital Only Album
Reviewed by Steve Hayes
Kaleb Mitchell is a rapper, singer, songwriter and producer from Wharton in northern New Jersey. With more than a nod to basketball and track titles to match, this second album was recorded and produced by Kaleb himself and features an assortment of guests. The deeply gospel infused "SOS" sees our man mixing contemporary life as a black man, his own life and some double-timing rhymes. The lead track launches us into Kaleb's life and thoughts with zest before tracks like "Watchu Mean" remind us that no-one should define any of us as inconsequential because of our Heavenly Father. The album is mainly east coast in vibe - even sampling some boom bap tracks like Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario". There is an old skool atmosphere but without the album ever becoming fully definable or sitting in one or another hip-hop genre. This is demonstrated by the rapper's lyrical and vocal prowess, which he showcases throughout without ever been a show-off. For someone who is still relatively young on the hip-hop scene (19 years at the time of writing), this album belies his age and demonstrates the emcee has the potential to become a top rate hip-hop all-rounder.
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Great article on Kaleb Mitchell; spot on. Also, he's still 18 years old, won't be 19 until the end of 2017.