This particular American started out fronting punk bands, that was (as he confesses) until the iPod was able to replace real musicians.
I may not have access to his previous groups, but as Raymond Strife releases “Preface: I will Never be Beautiful”, I can only imagine it wasn’t pretty. The intro to the new EP isn’t either, it’s uncomfortable, sounding like a sample to a horror film before the vocals kick in.
That’s certainly better than turning to the first drum beat you can find. The tag-line to “America” may be a more contrived “put your mother f*cking hands up”, but it’s delivered with emotion and you can imagine the audience responding as requested.
Raymond Strife “Preface: I will Never be Beautiful”
The EP itself is a prequal to an upcoming full-length to be untitled “Go for the Gusto”. Produced by Darnell Ill-Omega Storey, Strife also brings in guests to add another dimension to the middle couple of tracks.
He has plenty of fellow MC’s to choose from being part of the wider DKFG collective, which features other New Jersey rappers including JE Double F and Cornelius the Third. In this release, it’s Rich Quick that contributes to “Don’t Get Too Comfortable”, a self dissing track in which the 2 MC’s play off each other nicely.
Then there’s “Cap City” featuring Rocky (not to be confused with fellow American artist A$AP Rocky), his style also compliments that of the lead artist. While Strife does have an element of his punk-roots, Rocky adds the smoother West Coast hip hop vibe that took over the airwaves during the 90’s.
“Carnal Knowledge” is a shorter piece but the EP ends with title track “I Will Never be Beautiful”. It may be another stab at lacking in confidence, but it’s raw and in the eyes of the artist, an honest perception.
If you want attractive, easily accessible rap music, tune into a mainstream radio station. If it’s something a bit more underground you need, yet in keeping the high-end production, then Raymond Strife’s little EP is worth checking out.
