GEL ROC “BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY” | REVIEW
‘Beautiful Tragedy’ is the brand new record from veteran MC Gel Roc (EX2 / Mass Men) and features sixteen tracks with contributions from Aceyalone, Ecid, Mestizo, Open Mike Eagle, and many more.
The album opens with “Trust to Dust”, a track that tells the listener exactly who Gel Roc is. A very insightful song about “a day in the life of the way of the mic”, and quite the suiting introduction to an album that stands as somewhat of a hitchhikers guide through real life.
As the album progresses, we’re greeted with boom bap excellence which Gel Roc controls with the steadiness of a veteran. The album also features many of the best MC’s to ever come from the underground. “Buzzin’ Cousins”, features AWOL One and Vyrus (EX2) telling wack rappers what time it is “Whittier Style”. The trio sound as familiar with one another as the title of the song suggests. The album also contains one of the illest posse cuts I have ever heard. A tip of the hat is due to Gel Roc for being able to bring all the MC’s featured together for this project. The end result is vicious.
Songs like “Beautiful Tragedy (featuring Abstract Rude)”, outlinine the circumstances of real life and personal feelings on careers and triumphing over adversity. This track is underlined by a driving rhythm which pairs the two MC’s spitting concise rhymes about how to keep it moving. Definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album.
The lead single “Step Science” speaks on world decay, and all the culprits are addressed: psychology, economics, “tweakers who cook meth, and rats with hood reps.” A warning for those who “choose to follow” and an anthem for those who march to their own beat. You can see the video for ‘Step Science’ here.
The song “Empty Hellows” stresses the importance of sincere camaraderie, and exposes the dangers of fair-weather friendships. I dig this track a lot. It’s inspiring to hear someone who has been in the game as long as Gel Roc speak on the importance of the relationships we build, and how critical it is to maintain them.
Overall a great album, that has dropped at a great time. All the production on the record was crafted and tuned (produced entirely by Xczircles of Escape Artists / turntable work and scratches by DJ Drez.) to create a project with a feeling that matches it’s title like not many have. Life is: Beautiful Tragedy.
A definite must-have for anyone who enjoys honest music.
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