ExclusiveBoy D Believes There’s “No Better Time Than Now” [Album Review]
By the way of North Carolina comes hip hop recording artist/producer ExclusiveBoy D. He has been active on the scene for a number of years, but the demand for a full length project from him was growing over time. He looks to take things to another level with the release of “No Better Time Than Now”.
Listeners can finally stop waiting as ExclusiveBoy D has fulfilled their demand with his debut project, and brings along content is sure to connect with them on different levels. “No Better Time Than Now” aims to bring listeners into the artist’s world as he faced numerous challenges as a young man trying to make good things happen. The project consists of 11 tracks, and also provides motivation for those who are facing similar situations.
On the opening track “The Comeback”, EBD prepares listeners for the journey of a young man on a mission to achieve his goals, who has to overcome the obstacles planted along his path to make for a great comeback over production by Chad Barger and EBD under his producer moniker, Slick D (he has lent his co-production to various tracks throughout). The pace of the album doesn’t slow down as he follows up with the Chad Lister-produced track “Story Of My Life”, and it taps into an individual’s mentality of going for what’s yours no matter what it takes. Whether it’s success, money, pleasure, EBD has his eyes on the prize, even though he’s at times blindsided. He shows his determination here, and his harvest is out there for the reaping.
ExclusiveBoy D brings it home for a bit on the “Losing Patience” as he reaches out to his mother about the difficulties he’s facing. Like most mothers, she offers some solid advice for her son that takes him out of that dark place of giving up. Fueled by his mother’s words, he turns up on the Kocky Fa-featured “Zoned Out”. Roaming with a cold heart and a savage ambition, the Bill Eagen production provided is given a beating, and you can feel every bar recited. Cash definitely rules everything around EBD on “Finer Things”, and he gives off a smooth delivery as he schemes for all the money bags, jewelry, and designer threads he can get. The track features Bri’Leigh and CoolGuy. CoolGuy is also featured on “Xtra”, and it’s all about getting what you want, with something extra on top as settling for less is not something to aspire for. Getting to the money never took a holiday on “Money Feenin (The American Dream)” featuring Theresa Renee, and EBD shares that he studies the greats like Quincy Jones, Diddy, and Berry Gordy, and he aims to turn his pain and hardships into long-lasting success and luxury. His ambition leading up to this point in the album has grown significantly, and listeners will still be locked in.
On the closing four tracks of “No Better Time Than Now”, ExclusiveBoy D ensures that he takes it home. He has fun with the beat on “Heat Check Freestyle” as he keeps his vision for success on point, and he’s not hesitating to flex on whoever with the bars throughout. He radiates positive energy throughout, and he keeps the listener attentive. Every King needs a Queen, and on the follow up track “Reading Signs”, he shares what he’s looking for in a Woman, and will connect with the right one who can be a part of his world. Once he has his Queen, “Century Love” finds him sealing the deal with her over a Shawn Finesse beat. What was once an individual losing patience in a challenged-filled world, EBD finds renewed energy, a sharper focus, an enhanced hunger for success, a Queen who will keep him right, and a growing support system, he’s ready for the long haul with “Champagne & Roses”. Winning with the people you started with is sometimes rare in this world, but EBD shouts out those who held it down since day one, showing the importance of true friendship, and loyalty to the listener.
ExclusiveBoy D’s “No Better Time Than Now” is an ambitious debut. With some solid production and dope guest appearances, the project is bound to connect those who can relate to a man who is just trying to win. First time listeners will need to spend time in hearing what he has to say, and while the journey won’t be smooth, it will be one that’s worth the travel. In a scene where the overnight success is suddenly a common thing, EBD is just hustling for his own, and there’s no better time than now to do it.
