'Social Distancing' by Ningenius - New Album Release Review

In a time of fear and uncertainty like we as a world are currently facing I believe music can be a very powerful tool in helping people to destress and enjoy their new found spare time; it certainly has helped me. Its fair to say I have followed a certain type of music on this blog, indie rock and I have had a lot of very talented bands and artists get in touch. However, with my newly rebranded company Frantic Media, it is only fitting that I bring you guys something new and different.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by an artist from Texas in the United States named Ningenius. A 17 year old lad who has been writing and producing rap music for the last one to two years. Well today (20/05/20) he has finally released his first full album 'Social Distancing' which features 16 songs he has been working on for a while. During this journey he has explored many topics through his rap; past relationships, friendships, happy times and sad times. With inspirations such as Childish Gambino, Tyler the Creator and Tame Impala this artist has been able to create a collection of truly awesome tracks.

I have always been a very big fan of rap music, even producing my own stuff (nowhere near as good as this guy though).

I grew up listening to very little rap and only took the interest in recent years but would like to think I can be a fairly good critic when reviewing hip hop. So that's what today's blog is going to be, I will be reviewing the first 3 songs off the album just to give you guys a taster, I would thoroughly recommend going and giving this album a moment of your time. The first 3 songs of the album are titled, 'Sick' , 'Mood' and 'Locked in.' One reason in particular why I enjoyed this album so much as it is so evident that this artist has used the worlds current situation to create music to be enjoyed by all. Turning a negative in to a positive.

Sick is a very good tune from the off, no messing about there. A steady and well structured beat throughout the song accompanied with some very well written lyrics with a mixture of intelligent rhyming. The lyric 'I'm sick of the corona cough' I thought was a nice addition, adding something relevant to your rap song is always good. The flow is absolutely filthy (in a good way) and the song overall meets the bar for a decent hip hop tune in my opinion. Moving on to 'Mood', this song takes on a very groovy style and features the artists first singing not necessarily rapping vocals. A very Biggie Smalls approach was made to this song and the artist has managed to create a tune very different from the first track. The song's beat is very chilled and as the song is about essentially sex, the style matches the topic well. And finally, 'Locked In' which is my favourite from the whole album, due to it's raw and emotional attitude towards hip hop. The song is chilled and stays at a constantly slow tempo making it an emotional ride for the listener, and if you're like me you'll like this tune. Well written lyrics, and a very important title which matches the topic of the song really well, the idea that the artist is 'locked in', physically and mentally and so that creates the weary vibe. All songs in the album have been well thought of and well produced, the album is very good.

I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this blog, and please make sure to go and listen to the album 'Social Distancing' as it is a proper banger of an album. Thank you again Ningenius for getting in touch I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the album, keep up the good work. Please make sure to like and share the blog everyone and I will leave the artist's links below for you guys to follow. Stay safe and I'll catch you guys again soon. Peace.

Instagram - www.instagram.com/wowningenius