Artist: Mr. Envi'
Single: "Just Chill"
Reviewed by Jason Randall
Smith
Whatever your feelings about
Southern rap music may be, you have to admire the work ethic, especially when
taking the tireless grind of their independent artists into consideration. There seems to be a keen understanding of how
important it is to have regional success and how that must be achieved before
national recognition or even viral video breakthroughs on the Internet. After a few false starts, it sounds like Mr.
Envi' is on his way. Serving as CEO of
Southern Stisles Records, this rapper/producer may have created a slow burner
for the summertime with "Just Chill," the first in a series of
singles to promote his Kollaborationz album.
A lonely piano riff
introduces the song, held up by muted string accompaniment right before the
beat kicks in. The production is simple
and subtle: a low register bass riff
with strings walking in its shadows, finger snaps acting as a metronome, and
chimes sprinkled across the top to add a sensitive accent. The vocal hook is a memorable one ("How
come we just can't chill?"), setting the stage for Mr. Envi', JTL, and
Cornbread to drop lyrics about a troubled relationship. Each vocalist deals with a different aspect,
debating whether they should stay or go, pleading their case for why the
struggle is worth it, and going on the defensive when their woman suspects them
of cheating. The instrumental is held
back in volume just enough to allow the lyrical sentiment to shine through.
"Just Chill" is very
effective as a first single, one that should have instant appeal not only with
Mr. Envi's home crowd in Louisiana, but in all surrounding states that consider
Southern Stisles a place for quality music.
It's the best kind of introduction, speaking instead of screaming to get
the point across, touching on a universal theme that all can relate to. There will be plenty of time to get rowdy in
the club later; "Just Chill" is a reminder of the conversation that
has to take place between a man and a woman behind closed doors at home.
Reviewed by Jason Randall
Smith
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)
