Mr. 44 Uses “License To Rhyme” to Drive Hip Hop In New Directions (Album Review)
In a world that values immediacy and material gain, gifted Cleveland-based MC, Mr. 44 comes through like a breath of fresh air with his latest project, “License To Rhyme”. A solid, and well thought out 6-track project, “License To Rhyme” finds Mr. 44 in his prime, letting all the haters and naysayers know that even though it might be taking a while to get to where he’s going, he trusts the process, knowing that those with good intentions always win in the end, just like Hip Hop always cuts through the noise, like the spiritual gift it is.
“License To Rhyme” starts off with a clear message for everyone saying Mr. 44 is too old and should put his mic down on track 1, “Who Want It”, before he proceeds to put his soul on the beat for the meat of the project. As a natural born leader, Mr. 44 uses his art to speak to his tribe through potent bars and clever wordplay. Some might think of “real Hip Hop” as boring and overly lyrical, but Mr. 44 has a way of making it entertaining and digestible, along with having a message.
Rhymes like “I want to thrive, not just survive” let listeners know exactly where Mr. 44’s head is at - pointed towards success. Track 2, “Dumb It Down” further delves into his mindset, showing the world he’s making music for the pure love of Hip Hop and , doing it for the love of Hip Hop and is never going to dumb down his flow, spreading negativity and detrimental ideology for material gain and fame. Mr. 44 is enlightened, wise beyond his years and spreads knowledge through his pen. He married to he game awhile ago, making Hip Hop his wife, giving birth to beautiful words that inspire and uplift.
“License To Rhyme” was made with love at The Word of Enoch for Prhymal Rage, mixed by Doc Remedy, and features production from HellahMentals, OCRBeats, Deep and Scenic Route and the Sun Gods. Overall, “License To Rhyme” brings back that feeling of when Hip Hop stood for something, through Mr. 44’s use of compelling delivery, coupled with soulful production and pure intentions.
Representing the true essence of Hip Hop, Mr. 44’s international fanbase shows that raw Hip Hop isn’t going anywhere any time soon. And after nearly 50 years since its conception, Mr. 44 is a prime contender to keep the tradition alive, as he continues to flow that “lyrical liquid”.
