Marcus P. – Proving Grounds Album Review

Marcus P an upcoming rap, hip hop, and r&b, Artist comes from Long Island, New York moved into Queens then Brooklyn around the age of 4. He attended public schools and developed an interest in music at a very young age. As much of a philosopher as he is a poet, he possesses the unique ability to relate to and empathize with the plights of others. Furthermore, being able to apply optimism, turn negativity around to uplift and benefit himself and others in the process. Looking on the bright side of things “…sometimes the smoke and mirrors (in life) is an insight (best creativity comes) from a fog so keep your (self) in drive and put your high beams on…” Clearly an intellectual with an optimistic personality.

Believe.

Development of this insight comes from exposure to many trials and the observation of certain ‘general’ situations that many experience and seldom few come out of. These experiences are what shape the mindset. Marcus P. Has driven himself to be a dynamic and outstanding writer, teacher, performer and entertainer. Being motivated by a unique philosophy and observation of current trends and aware of past trends. This is what I believe gives Marcus P the advantage; allowing for the development of his unique creativity. Going in several directions simultaneously… ‘casting several eggs into several baskets…’ and furthermore, ensuring that all bases are covered. An extreme but effective way to succeed and accomplish your goals. The first song ‘Believe’ is about not settling for less and following your dreams. Following your dreams in order to make them a reality.

The final line in the last verse …”Dying is worth creating something that lasts forever.” Is the literal bottom line of the track and sums up the story line of the song. ‘Believe’ is cleverly laid out to resemble a dream, ironically it sounds as though it is an old record playing in reverse throughout the entire track. About a minute into the song, the listener is transported to another realm with the Sounds of a ‘futuristic teleportation device’ that carries the listener into the artists reality or dream. Percussions, a keyboard cover and snares programmed to strings, sets the tone. Finally, a ‘ghostly voice’ repeating, “…Believe in yourself…” An artwork completed is a work of perfection!!!

Overall, the track allows for good listening because it provides motivation and is inspiring. Most people can relate to it but few have ignited a positive impact from it. I can definitely hear this song along with many more from Marcus P music playing on radio. Looking forward for more great music from him in 2015!

Hustle

This featured track is entitled ‘Hustle’. An extremely clever way to display his lyrical skills and poetic resume’.  It begins with the chorus, that reveals three truths that relate not only to the artist but to everyone.  “… I saw hospitals momma and all… she gave birth to a star…” Secondly, …” I got my mind above the rims, duckin’ the law…” An issue facing inner-city youths today.

The first verse is a lengthy one, one minute and ten seconds. Effectively announcing that, even though he may not have been educated by professors, ( particularly universities such as Yale and Harvard), that it is the skill and experience that will get you by. Are what will get everyone byand where you want to be in life. “…what industry niggaz are petitioning for…” a clear statement as to how talented he is. Moreover, with  confidence, ‘Hustle’ cleverly continues on with a thorough list of his poetic accomplishments, rhyming skills, expertise, diversity, boldness and drive. Describing in certain detail several events of his life. All of the events have had particular impact on the artists life and have given Marcus P the motivation that he needs to succeed in his goals. Hustle is complete with a generous amount of programmed musical sound effects and multiple layers of tones compiled to create a melody designed for fantastic listening.

Makes for good dancing music and also a motivational  pick-me-up! Because whether or not an individual is educated to a certain degree, the sky is the limit on the potential of accomplishments that we can accomplish if we stay on track, stay focused and keep up the Hustle. Overall the track is clear the vocalization, effective, straightforward and makes for good dancing music. Even good to sing along to because many can relate.

Wassup.

Another dynamic expression of expert storytelling. An exceptional story of youth and change. The things that he had to do and has to do to keep and remain focused. Also a creative story of how he became the outstanding artist he is today. With a brilliant delivery of lyrical talent, Marcus P is able to bring the best of ‘party music’ and jams for music lovers to listen to and enjoy.

When I say party music and jams that usually means to put the two descriptions together, ultimately forming the phrase “Party Jams”. The perfect description for the featured track. Although most people can relate to the story line. For example, during our youth, we are exposed to a multitude of people and sometimes have found ourselves in situations which inevitably attribute to our personal development. Some of these experiences and behaviors, We take with us well into our adulthood resulting into the people we are and become today. The spoken hook in the beginning of the track; “Just kick back and smoke…” is one particular common recreational behavior that many individuals experience. “…What you trying to get into?…” A common phrase that relates to the duality of results that can occur.

There can be several results but staying elevated spiritually is what keeps the mind at ease. ‘Wassup’ can be categorized as R&B as it has a direct smooth groove and a sway that keeps the head bobbing to the rhythm which has a ‘homelike’ feel to it moreover, the mention of youth and recklessness is also common and I personally can relate to it. However it is great rap music!

There are certain traits that are necessary that we keep with us that attribute to our successes! ‘Wassup’ is loaded with irony, metaphors and satires that reflect the individual exposed to almost everything and that wants to succeed. … “If you love somebody spend some time and show it…” the main ideal of the song,  shows that no matter how things appear to be and no matter what you go through in life you should always love what you do, never forget how you get there or the people that affected you both positively and negatively.

Overall, the track is clear, the vocals and wordplay are on point and effective to there purpose. The rhythm and melody of the soundtrack is creative and unique. Definetly a party jam indeed!

Listen.

Marcus P an exceptional and brilliant yet charismatic rap and unique recording artist brings with hI’m the most creative, bravery,  boldness and honesty to the featured track entitled Listen. “Woke up I was late for a job interview, Mickey D’s, so I ain’t that mad if miss it…” Is the beginning philosophical statement made. Letting the listener in on another side of the ‘person’ in general.

The mysteries of human tendencies is summed up and poetically contained within the several examples, metaphors and multiple story line. Being skilled to convey a subliminal message after the wordplay is completed.  Furthermore the efforts made to bring ‘the real’ into this song from his own life experiences from a youth , “12 years young…”, then again when he was 19. A whole new world is explored, tapped into and expressed here. Creativity, in being able to utilize ‘true to life’ comments and statements that people would use to justify their actions today, along with, giving a ‘roll call’ of his ‘goons’ and their accomplishments is just a taste. The fact that reaching higher goals attempted and the efforts made to get there, is an attainable goal that even the average individual can attain. Confessing that;  ‘…cause I ain’t trying to go SB tryin to smoke… and,  ‘…I don’t wanna go, I ain’t mad if I miss it…” ,  “…pay attention and listen.”  Another brilliant metaphor.

Marcus P is definitely the artist to look our for in 2015. Stocked and ripened with innovative ideas and music to go with it! The featured track ‘Listen’ also has a ‘playful’ vibe and ora to it. The rhythm of the hook, more chanted than spoken give the song that particularly playful vibe on top of some smooth and well played snares to keep the rhythm. There is also a saxophone cover which gives ‘Listen’ that laid-back jazzy sound that I am sure music lovers would appreciate. Moreover, a heavy percussion is ingeniously laid out to keep a tight beat. In general, the track has good quality sound to it. The wordplay is awesome! It has a whimsical feel, its down to earth, honest and fits in with its brand. A remarkable piece of work.

On Dat.

If being extremely prepared was a bad thing then people wouldn’t succeed at the goals they attempt. In the dynamic case of Marcus P who is an exceptional upcoming musical recording artist and an intelligent businessman admired by many and whose example should be followed by new artists coming up in this industry. ‘On Dat’ is also a lyrical seduction that entices the listener to actually listen to the lyrics.

It begins with an organ synth cover with bells, percussion and snares that are played in sync with the lyrics and a seductive vocal tone that develops an intriguing feel. Dancing and singing along with this tune is inevitable. The wordplay, is particularly fantastic. Although there are a few expletives nevertheless, what is underground rap music without controversy. The calm feeling you get at the intro is an especially welcomed vibe. Then comes the rush of lyrics laid over an acoustic echo, that are cleverly played out with a periodic drop of volume to cover the hook. “…this liquor and this weed is all I got…” The lyrics are ‘spit’ out precisely the way they should for rap music lovers to enjoy. ‘…Toast to the homies…’ is what you will want to do as you turn the music up and enjoy. Entertaining his fans comes naturally and easily for this artist because he knows what the people want to hear and the situational story lines mostly everyone can relate to.

The beats that come forth from Marcus P are designed to get the listener to really listen to the lyrics and more importantly enjoy what they’re listening to.

Overall, The track is clear, allows for good listening and has an all around genuine feel to it. The vocals are on point and the timing is unique and developed properly. I am sure that Marcus P Is on the way to making it big in the industry as he invests in himself and is a courageous and clever artist/ businessman indeed. More importantly he makes music that everyone can enjoy. Look for more outstanding music from this dynamic artist in the future as he has plenty of motivation and a brilliant creative mind to standout as an original.

Fly.

Making good use of time, money and effort, as all dedicated professionals endeavor to do. This is an extremely wise choice in today’s market. Moreover, Marcus P has been keeping up with current trends in RnB, Rap, Hip Hop and more. Furthermore, making beats and experimenting with various sounds, echoes and acoustics.

The featured track discusses several attitudes and ‘states of being’. ‘Fly’ has a duality as to the meaning as well as an actual ‘state of being’, being better if time is taken to get there. As in the chorus “…Took a while to get in my zone…” A clear indication of the amount of time and mostly the amount of dedication it takes for someone to succeed at the goals they attempt.

Nevertheless, it is not only the rhythm of the achievement that is attractive but the rhythm of the process itself that gives the quality. It begins with the first verse, which gives a general recap on specifics in the artists present ‘state of being’ such as “With the windows low, with the top down…”. It continues with; “…I ain’t made it bit I’m F*****g with the greatest though…” Again even further, It goes on to speak of various dualities of certain situations that his life contains and the situations of people in general.

This track is definitely a new sound and has an original vibe to it. It is a fantastic combination of electronic programmed drum machine with a touch of bells, percussion and snares. The rhythm of the lyrics are what stand out the most however. Amazing wordplay. Its almost like he’s singing the lyrics.

Overall, the vocals are clear, the storyline and metaphors make sense. The timing is perfect and the beat is the bomb!

No That.

The best things about being an rap artist and more specifically an underground rap artist is that there are several options on versatility and entertainment. Marcus P is is loaded with intelligence and drive to pursue his dreams. By vocalizing them and putting them to music he shares his inner most thoughts and desires like he does in the featured track ‘Know That’.

This is a most sensual way and description of what a man would do to his “wifey”… there’s a difference. As the subconscious mind desires to do all it can do to satisfy itself the ‘wifey’ is more in tune with the ‘specifics’ to the sexual needs of the man than the wife. Therefore, the desire is heightened. There appears to be no metaphors only in reference to ‘the wifey’. Know That is a song that not only goes deep into sexually explicit natures but it goes deep into the erotic fantasy in the mind of the artist.

Expressing his innermost desires of ‘what he wants to do’ to his mate or ‘wifey’ and expressing it in the most erotic way via poetry. The lyrics are explicit and create a vivid picture of particular sexual acts. I will say its not for sensitive ears and the faint hearted. If I were to rate it I would rate it (R), for imaginary nudity and sexual situations. Nevertheless, it makes for good listening as it could give ideas to lovers and mates on things to do with each other on their own personal  ‘sexual exploits’ and quests to find ways to please each other and explore. Know That is compiled with bells, strings, percussion and a whole lot of well planned, timed and  orchestrated sound effects to give it a spicy touch.

Overall, the track is a magnificent piece of erotic wordplay. Even though there are a few mentions of business which is what Marcus P is all about but ‘Know That’ shows that this artist is not only ‘ just strictly business and that when it counts he can get the job done.

7 AM.

Marcus P the gifted hip hop and rap artist is definetly the artist to watch for in the near future. Coming from “…Brooklyn and Jersey…” he is one unique artist that won’t waste any time, he’s always on his grind. He has no problems letting listeners know that he is all about his business and he enjoys what he does. Marcus is always ready with pen and pad in hand and it shows in his music, which is alive with vigorous metaphors and brilliant storylines to some really creative music amounting to accomplish targeted goals, completed projects and entertain fans.

What stands out the most in the featured track entitled ‘7AM’ is that it has a most peculiar hook. The wordplay makes sense as to the relation of the storyline, “…Every goal takes patience…” and with patience hard work and effort to get the projects done, goals will get completed.

Not to mention being filled with an unsurpassed amount of ideas to produce a creative musical masterpiece or work of art. “…Straight to the top, don’t offer what you ain’t got…” another brilliant metaphor that is full of not only good sound advice but a superb manifestation and “…puzzle piece…” that fits directly into the main direction the the song/album is intended. Marcus P is a skilled rapper and he has the desired talent and professionalism needed to turn the party up at any occasion or to handle the seriousness of the corporate world.

Bottom line, he’s the best, and if lyrical wordplay, creativity, boldness and chivalry is wanted, that’s what you will get with “Proving Grounds”album and more specifically the featured track 7AM. 7AM is created mainly from a pre-recorded track, the particular point or section of the track is set on repeat for eight counts.

A periodical vocalization is heard frequently and adds a hip groove. It is cleverly Laid over by percussions and multiple sound effects to give it that “Jammin” sound. Definetly a “head bobber”. Makes for good dancing, singing along with or good listening.

Overall, the track is straight forward and to the point and has a clear sound. This is the artist to watch for in 2015.  I’m sure that Marcus P’s ‘Proving Grounds’ and 7AM will be played in clubs, bumping in car steroes and homes nationally very soon.

By Linda Dawkins