A little over a week ago I got an email from an artist requesting a Mixtape/Album review. The artist comes from Pittsburgh, PA (my hometown) so I decided to show some love and help him out. I listened to the body of work for about a week and then put together the blog you're reading now. The artist for the Mixtape/Album Review is Mario Dones and the project is titled "Black Watermelon"
Let's get into the review....
The project starts off with the song titled "Made" where Mario gives you a slight background on who he is. He mentions how his mother tried to keep him in church but that didn't work out, and he also talks about not growing up without his father.
"Aint have no pops but my eyes shed no tears from it/
At least I got a couple sneeks couple beers from em/"
The track "Made" is an ok song. I feel like it lacks passion and soul. This is the intro to your project. This is the first thing people hear and judge the rest of your project off. If this doesn't grab your attention then why should I (the average listener) continue?
A few tracks following the opening song is a track titled "Moonlit Session". I like this song. The track is real chill and the flow over the beat is ok. The lyrics are there; if the flow was slightly tighter this would probably be my favorite track off the project. A hook and a second verse is much needed too. It was a tease....
Jumping to the body of the project; which is the heart and soul of any project, we have a few songs that stand out. These records are titled "New School", "Easy Street", and "Antarctica." Let's talk about "New School". This is a "hip hop" song for all you hip hop heads out there. I also like the song, "Easy Street". I think the beat selection on this is dope, and I like the flow and the way Mario rode the beat.
A few bars from "New School"
"Told yall put that mic down, dont need no more MC's/
Treat rappers like they pedophiles, wont let em touch those 16's"
Closing out the project is my personal favorite song titled "Stop Me feat Nick Pratt". This is the most complete song on "Black Watermelon". I like the beat selection, dope verses, and Nick Pratt did his thing on the hook.
In conclusion, I feel the project has its high points and its low points. High points include the lyrics. I feel Mario can rap and can put words together with the right structure. Some of the low points I believe are flow and delivery. A few songs would be better if the flow and they way Mario delivered them were tighter. Songs such as "F*ck Banks", and "24k". Along with that, a stronger production would make for a stronger project. Today's rap fans buy into the artist and not just the music. I would look for Mario to be more open and showcase his personality on his next project.
Support Mario Dones and "Black Watermelon" at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/black-watermelon/id734841258
Also follow Mario on Twitter at @Donesy
Mario Dones "New School" video
YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V33UwQ5CSpk
Written by Rell Mac (@Rell_Mac)
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