The Journeys of Speed

Greetings, all.

I have a special treat for you right now. I am going to drop a review for Konshens’ “The Evolution” EP. Now, for those unfamiliar with Konshens, he is a pretty accomplished DMV artist, winning the 2009 Entertainer of the Year Award at the Velocity Awards, one of the biggest DMV artist award shows out there.

One word to describe Konshens is multifaceted. He effortlessly switches up from “Moment of Time” (the funky introductory track that offers a conscious, semi-neo soul approach to the “I want/need a girl” topic) to the seemingly G-Funk influenced “Luv 4 Da Whole Hood” to the southern-like “Late Night” And while doing this, Konshens doesn’t lose focus of the fact that he is a conscience minded individual.

Throughout the album, it is clear to see that Konshens is influenced by funk and neo-soul. Think Raheem DeVaughn as a rapper for, probably, one of the best comparisons. He even has a song dedicated to just riding around in his Cadillac. The only thing is that, if you’re looking for synth-heavy club bangers that are certified radio hits? This isn’t the album for you. It’s grown folks rap, without the Jay-Z element. The album will make you dance; the vibe makes it so you can’t help but dance.

However, as much as I love the vibe and the lyricism, the live band/open mic night feeling could make you skip through a few tracks. You shouldn’t, because the LP is solid throughout and touches on many topics (from money to AIDS and all points in between), but if you were to do so? I’d understand why.

Standout tracks: “Positive,” “Get Money,” and “Moment of Time”

And, now? The moment of truth
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Listen here: http://www.konshens.com/music.html