Truth is an emcee from Queens, New York, USA who has just hit my radar thanks to the release of his latest EP. His second team up with production duo Da Beatminerz (Mr. Walt. & DJ Evil Dee), it’s called Nostalgia ThEraPy.
By Graeme Smith
Nostalgia ThEraPy aims to combine the old with the new, bringing us some old school hip-hop with a modern edge. The EP kicks off with Truth Is and instantly we get some timeless boom-bap flavour. Truth has a smooth flow about his vocal delivery, pairing a laidback groove with a sharp edge. It’s a strong start.
Lock and Load brings with a sense of humour and a killer beat. There’s a sense of the bombastic about it. Spit It features New York City legends Al Skratch & Kurios and provides a dark yet vibrant highlight.
Here & Now has some pleasing percussion and a cinematic sense of atmosphere. Da Beatminerz Sound breaks things down before building them back up again with throwback yet experimental layers. Won By One’s Will is a moody track full of fight. Queens Carnivores features Royal Flush and gives us funky licks and relentless rhymes. It’s another highlight.
Calling is a short but intense meditation with a touch of the classic about it. Supposed to Represent closes the collection with a beautifully textured conclusion. Record scratches, echoing notes and free-flowing verses wrap things up in the best possible way. It’s a final highlight.
Lovers of old school hip-hop and genre-pushing experimentation will all find a lot to love about Nostalgia ThEraPy. With some top class collaborations and Truth’s unique personality running right through its nine tracks, it’s definitely one not to be missed.
Nostalgia ThEraPy is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms via Animal Military Records. You can give it a listen below.