An intense, old-school hip-hop impact pairs with lyrical themes of resilience and ambition on IS YOURS, the new album from Detroit-based artist Mike Masch, aka Moment. Impressive vocal flows persist alongside dynamic beats, ranging from the moody synth and piano interplay within “Mr. Parkour” to the string-laden theatrics of “Sound of the Rise.” In addition to the fantastic music within, IS YOURS is fully devoted to charitable causes. “100% of this album’s profits and streaming revenue will be donated to charity,” Moment says. “Stomp out bullying and support Nokidhungry.org. Anything you listen, know you are supporting a great cause!”
Opening the album, “Awakening” infuses a hypnotic beat — swelling with sporadic bass-y additions — amidst lyrical declarations that proudly showcase the album’s perseverant tone. “Life’s tough keep facing it / Dreams come true only when you keep chasin ’em,” the vocals let out, referring to life as “a test” to see what one is made of; the encouraging, motivational qualities invigorate on this track and throughout the album.
The ensuing “Trouble Is Back” unveils more piano-led dramatics, maneuvering between melodic vocal refrains and ardent “let’s achieve it” string-touched motivations. The track’s main theme is relentless ambition and resilience in the face of adversity, perfectly captured in lines like: “My chances may be low at THIS beginning / But it doesn’t mean that if I stick to the grind I won’t be in it winnin.” Whether within stomping, catchy vigor or moodier displays like “Trouble Is Back,” the album succeeds in its production and songcraft.
The aforementioned “Sound of the Rise” is another gem, embracing an orchestral grandiosity and choral vocal backings. Depictions of a creative spark, and striving to keep that fire going, are grippingly conveyed: “The sound of the rise is the beat of my heart, every fire leads with a spark.” Succeeding across its 21 tracks, IS YOURS is an enveloping, impassioned hip-hop success from Moment.
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“Sound of the Rise” and and other tracks can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Hip-Hop’ Spotify playlist.
