Review Summary: One of the things Mr. Envi' has done well with his past few releases is, bringing back the use of creative skits and intro tracks.
Just months after the release of his Damage Kontrol album, Mr. Envi' fires back with the 'Evryday Hustle" EP. The EP is one of a two part series in which Mr. Envi' plans to release them both this year. The EP contains seven laid back tracks coming in at a little under 30 minutes, it's a perfect set up for the next EP's debut.
One of the things Mr. Envi' has done well with his past few releases is, bringing back the use of creative skits and intro tracks, which Evryday Hustle kicks off with a skit/intro type of feel with the "Evryday Hustle Intro". Here Mr. Envi' uses a radio interview, followed by an on the spot freestyle, which sets the tone for the rest of the EP.
"Where We Goin'", the EP's second track, Mr. Envi' enlists Naptown Indiana's own Chucky Workclothes to assist in what seems to resemble in sound like an old school type 90's hip-hop track. Both MC's flow compliment each other well as the two explain how their consistency and progression in the music industry as independent artist lead to their collaboration, to on the road touring the nation.
The EP's third track, "Bad Dream", Mr. Envi' shares with his audience to what appears a dream he once experienced at some point in time, but his sense of telling this story is superb! An interesting concept to write a song based on a dream, gives the song a more appealing factor. Mr. Envi' also pays homage to the legendary southern hip-hop group Geto Boys by quoting a line from their 90's hit song, "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" in the chorus - "At night I can't sleep, I toss and turn, candle sticks in the dark, visions of bodies being burned", a seemingly perfect fit for the song as he paints a vivid picture of someone attempting to cause him harm throughout these series of dreams, depriving him of sleep. Almost as if it could have been a scene in an old Alfred Hitchcock movie.
The EP's standout and fourth track, "A Lot On My Mind", taps into the essence of hip-hop as Mr. Envi' seems to convey a strong message to would be up and coming artist about the realities of the music industry, it seems the southern MC has a lot on his mind indeed! "When I announce my shows/would anyone go, and show their support/I don't know if they would care if I drove/about 3-4 hours, after working a gig/even if they knew I had to give up time with my kids", raps Envi' and he couldn't be more honest - this song has such a deeper meaning, that I urge everyone who's either involved with music or even thinking about becoming involved with music, should definitely listen to the words of this song.
On the fifth, six and seventh tracks of Evryday Hustle, Mr. Envi' scores another assist from Chucky Workclothes and other guest spots from JTL, Syke Pachino and Mr. Hympdok. Tackling a common topic amongst most, "Gold Diggaz" is an average track that focuses on women who allegedly overlooks "the basic type of guy", in pursuit of men with benefits. Moving along to a more up tempo "Evrday Hustle", the EP's title track, verses from Mr. Envi', Chucky Workclothes and Syke Pachino are right on as they give listeners a glimpse of their day to day engagements. The EP closes with "Like Pro's", a laid back status track where Mr. Envi', along with the assist from Mr. Hympdok, gives their version of how to be successful in the music business.
An overall good listen in which I'm sure listeners and hip-hop heads will enjoy.
