Music Review – Leonidas – We Gone Rise Up

I love the production on this one straight away. The beat has the perfect amount of reverb to it, you’re transported somewhere much bigger when you listen. The backing music keeps it fairly simple but the effects used really strengthen and empower the sound. Vocally, Leonidas has an incredibly fast flow; an artist who seems to utilise every line, every lyric, to the best of his ability. No wasted opportunities. You gather up this journey from the lyrics, the unsigned artist working hard to get where he wants to be, plus so much more – everything that needs to be said, no filler.
It’s great when an artist has that natural talent to spit lyrics so swiftly and effortlessly, better yet when they combine it with genuine personality and openness. To not be censored by the monetary system is how it ends, but every single line is thoroughly captivating and intriguing. Not just rhyme for the sake of rhyme. Heartfelt lyricism, music with meaning, and feeling.

That occasional electronic synth riff falls in just occasionally and it sounds fantastic; well placed to the point of not distracting from the lyrics, which would be a shame in a track so well written. But it’s not a problem that came up. The lyrics take the lead when they need to, the music takes over when they settle down, and back again. Great use of music to build up a song that is powerful in all the right ways as it all plays out and into your head.

Some of the lyrics are amazingly inspirational. There are too many to choose from, an admirable quality in itself. I would go out of my way to hear more music from this artist. Just to hear him rap, to find out what else he has in him – what else he might say. There are many hip hop artists sharing their music these days and it’s great to hear so much creativity coming out. You can really tell though when someone has an innate ability within them, when an artist was quite clearly made to express themselves in this way. I get that feeling from Leonidas. He’s not rapping about the usual stuff, the expected topics. He’s rapping about his own experiences and identity. It’s commendable, and compelling to listen to.

By Rebecca Cullen

Travelling musician and writer from Manchester, UK.