By shelzp.

Growth is a problematic concept in the music industry. It’s tough to stray outside the path laid by the powers that be, particularly when your creativity pushes you much further than earthly boundaries set by label knowitalls. Else you can take the road often travelled and crash and burn, hoping you can rebuild in time to catch the next fad on the highway to Lameville.

Then there is the flip side of that coin.  The artist can take a breather, study your craft, develop as a musician, and apply that newfound knowledge and ability to the next project.  As sensible as it sounds, it’s a relatively novel approach in an industry littered with disposable product. Donny Goines has gone there though.  With his latest EP, 20X, he has ditched the flash in the pan style of the trend chasers as well as the schizophrenic presentation that often plagues musicians in search of self and offered a solid project that clearly displays his growth as an artist.

The primary concern with Goines prior to this release was a lack of personality in his delivery.  His rhyme scheme was a little too simple; his easy delivery, a bit too easy. However, 20X does not suffer from those issues.  It’s eclectic, strong and very personal.

The lead single, “No Apologies,” features an angry talent who has realized there might not be a polite hand offered from the industry so he’s just going to kick in the door.  That rage-filled public announcement is spread thick over an amped up organ cut by a looped guitar riff and a shriek that sounds like Screaming Mimi on a bad day. Then there is “Not Your Fault,” “No Apologies”’s polar opposite.  It’s an aural self portrait boosted by swirling strings, lush background vocals and a few subtle nods to Goines’ early inspiration Shawn Carter that gives you not only his back story, but what drives him forward. 

Sandwiched between the above mentioned songs is “Rock NYC,” a song that showcases a new flow and an old love for rock influence. The underpinning is a simple drum pattern complimented by a slow, sexy guitar riff and Goines’ popping his collar a bit.  Even his hubris has taken a step forward. Then there is “Short Circuit,” a song that manages futuristic without being cheesy. It conjures the concept of Goines as a new millennium Max Headroom, a Big Brother just for the dance floor.  Half man, half machine, total club funk. 

It’s not flawless, as the first and the penultimate songs of the record, title track “20X” and “Can’t Be Stopped” respectively, lack the punch and forward reach of the middle pieces of this EP. They’re okay, but not my favorite. However, within the scheme of the EP, they fit.

So take note aspiring rappers, this is a quick six song lesson on how you evolve.  You toss out the accolades, press yourself to the next level, and drop a dope project with everything you’ve learned and incorporated. Then repeat.  As hard as it sounds, it’s probably 20X harder than that.  Don’t lose all hope though, Donny did it.

out of 5

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