- Words By | Alicia Jackson
- Pen Name | Yori
- Twitter | @AnAmazingFeat
The Favorites:
- “7 Eleven” (feat. Tee FLII)
- “ABETTERBIH” (feat. Brian Alexander Morgan)
- “EN” (feat. Kobe)
Strong Arm Steady’s KRNDN (read Krondon) has decided to fly solo for his mixtape drop, Everything’s Nothing. The free LP consists of 15 fiercely produced tracks that mimic the “trunk music” that defines the sound of Strong Arm. Since he does not have the support of his mates, the Los Angeles rapper takes this time to exhibit what his presence adds to the group. KRNDN uses his influence of the 1990’s underground LA rap scene to construct decently worded tracks. Paired with exceptional production, Everything’s Nothing is a decent listen, even if it’s place in a daily rotation is up for discussion.
The first half of the mixtape rides out without the need to really pay attention to any of the lyrics. As said before, and will be said again, the instrumentals of the earlier tracks steal the show from any rhyme that KRNDN spits. The Cardo produced track on “7 Eleven” isn’t of the bass pounding that Strong Arm Steady is known for, but the smooth groove is intriguing enough to ally-oop the listeners attention to the lyrics. DJ Khalid lends skills to the head nodding “I’m Moving”. The beat itself is simple, but its simplicity does not overshadow KRNDN’s lyricism. The simple hook and melody establish it as the most radio ready track of the tape thus far.
The right side of your brain perks up on “ABETTERBIH” and the hunger for some sense of the lyrical genius of Strong Arm Steady is satiated. KRNDN seems to thrive off of the minimalistic beat choices in which his punchlines are not buried. Even though the subject matter of the song is just KRNDN stating why his chick bad (*pause*), his execution finally uses the unremarkable trait of his flow to his advantage. The lackadaisical delivery matched with the organ heavy track turns what should be a shallow song into an introspective one, if only in theory.
Sprinkled a few tracks later is “EN” and it is debatable the most cohesive track of the mixtape. D.R.U.G.S. produced a percussion slick beat, heavy with snare drums, and matching guitar riffs. The intensity of the beat is translated into the lyrics and in consequence the delivery of the words. The track keeps your attention from start to finish. Ironic, since it is the second to last listing on the mixtape.
By the end, it’s evident that the production is the strong foot of the mixtape. With no specific examples of struggle bars, it’s still felt that KRNDN’s lyrical skills are stunted by his mundane flow. Even with a few strong songs, the mixtape does not hold a high level of replayability, unless you want to vibe out to the beats. With gems of great lyricism hidden like Easter eggs, most people would probably opt out of the playthrough and let them stay lost.
Reblogged this on Read My Sounds.