Rap and hip-hop is no longer strictly about an artist’s lyrical ability, there is a series of beats and melodies that need to come together in perfect harmony to create the sonic excellence that fans demand to hear. To that end, Musicbyko is the embodiment of real modern rap in a production heavy hip-hop environment that has very little care for bars. This Bay Area rapper from Oakland, CA, has a message of ambition and a constitution of excellence that he is attempting to establish within his craft.
It is clear that he has grown into more than just a rapper. Musicbyko comes across as an artist that has been doing a lot more than just music, and you can tell that from his words, which clearly come from his growth not only as an artist, but as a human in the cultural climate we live in today. His music outlines the important role he feels he needs to take in the industry, and probably in his community.
Musicbyko is both an educator and an entertainer, who has a great way with words. Another important positive, which is evident on his brand new album – “Life In Element” – is that Musicbyko’s bars are probably the best they have ever been. His wordplay, metaphors, and ability to ride the beat sounds like a natural gift.
Over and above being a great lyricist, his smooth melodic singing is absolute fire too. Stylistically, this is Musicbyko’s most well-executed project yet. He shows off his distinct blend of rap & soul on “LaLa Land”, while his nimble bars lean on a groovy production which is perfectly understated.
Simple drum beats and shimmering keys allow the artist to spin his story with no distractions. The focus is always on lyricism with Musicbyko, and it’s the same with this track. Here he is interpreting an entire culture, while speaking for his personal issues. : “For once I like to work to get to where I need to be, cause practice makes me confident which boost my self-esteem.”
Musicbyko has taken a mature, focused look on the message he wants to convey throughout this album, but it’s the way that he approaches these themes that makes his perspective seem fresh.
Musicbyko doesn’t sacrifice any inch of rhythm or melody while detailing his tales with hard confrontational rhymes. It’s clear on “Constant State Of Growth” that he’s mastered the art of blending the two, while sitting atop of a loud banging drum beat. The magnitude of this mission necessitates a melded perspective derived from a focused vision.
A description which perfectly suits a maverick artist like Musicbyko, who lives on the rap culture’s cutting edge. As he says in the song: “I’m not bigger than you, I’m bigger than situations.” That more or less describes the measure of the man, as well as the core of the emerging artist.
Musicbyko notably understands his influences in the game, and takes full advantage of these on his latest effort. He speaks on his experiences firsthand and casts a spotlight on the realities of his grind on “Judgement Day”. “I ain’t got a plan B, man this shit really my life,” he states, both with pride an ambition.
All-round, “Life In Element” wraps itself in the tailoring of a well-conceived project that shows maturity and an artist owning his own narrative, while revealing both his intellectual and emotional sides. As Musicbyko claims on the aforementioned track – “I think I’ve got just what they’re missing,” could potentially be the premonition of the impact he may soon have on the industry.
