****Review By: Taino Prince****
When first encountering Uzi with his dreads and trademark “Florida’s Finest” t-shirt, one might be inclined to brand him as just another “South Florida D-boy rapper” but one listen to his latest Keep Watchin mixtape and you will quickly learn that Uzi is not the typical.
The Miramar, Florida native got my attention right away with the intro to his Keep Watchin mixtape, where he spits high energy lyrics over the “HYFR” instrumental. Lines like “Suicide bomber, trying to blow myself up” automatically stuck out, right along with his melodic flow. His delivery definitely helped to push metaphors and make his point in songs like “Watchin, Waitin.” He also maintains his hood allure with songs like “Ridin Thru My City” rapping, “On a trip to the liquor store/ Another bottle of the 151/ Im’a grip an’ go/ A little coke for the mix and fix some good n’ dope so a nigga don’t choke, Im’a sip it slow,” really painting the picture of anybody’s weekend liquor store adventures.
Uzi definitely seems more at home on original tracks than he does rapping over other artists’ instrumentals. Even the freestyles are still good, his energy is much more palpable in his original songs and the quality of his rhymes is more impressive. Freestyling over industry beats can be tricky because the artist automitcally draws comparisons to the original artist on the track and in some instances Uzi needed to go a little harder. On cuts such as “Make Me Proud” or “Dance (Ass)” he could’ve been more lyrically dominant like he is on the other songs on this project. Still, Uzi remains true to his style and flow, which does give these industry beats a uniquely Uzi feeling.
Some of the production seems to take key instruments from well known Florida artists’ stand out tracks which keeps Uzi’s beat selection in line with the artists and sound from the region. For example, the snares from Rick Ross’ “BMF” record are very apparent and noticeable in the production for “Watchin, Waitin.” No matter the production, Uzi knows how to make himself and his lyrics shine through. The original tracks on the record bring out Uzi’s personality and lyrical prowess as well as his personal experiences. A perfect example is the song “Keep Pushin.” The raw emotion that is expressed throughout the track is magnified by the unique and distinct sound.
All in all Uzi makes a huge statement and helps to set a new standard for Florida hip-hop. His late 90’s Florida flow helps him stand out from the ultra-hard-hitting and in-your-face, dope-boy-rappers that are currently coming out of the sunshine state. The fact that he focuses on everyday issues as an underground artist as well as the party aspect of hip-hop will definitely make him relevant in the ranks of Hip-Hop’s underground circuits. Uzi definitely has me watching, and he may have the rest of the world’s eyes opened as well.
OFFICIAL IVY LEAGUE GRADE: B
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Booking info: Email - uzithefam@gmail.com or Phone - 754-244-0495
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Taino Prince is a Writer, Designer, Emcee from Atlanta, Ga. by way of Staten Island, NY. He has a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute Of Atlanta and also a degree in English/Journalism from Georgia Perimeter College. He's a blogger for GorillaLeak.com, a lover of all things music and a huge hip-hop head.
Follow Taino Prince on Twitter: @ManifestMusick
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Follow Ivy League on Twitter:
@IvonneLuciaPR | @TheIvyLeaguePR
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Taino Prince is a Writer, Designer, Emcee from Atlanta, Ga. by way of Staten Island, NY. He has a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute Of Atlanta and also a degree in English/Journalism from Georgia Perimeter College. He's a blogger for GorillaLeak.com, a lover of all things music and a huge hip-hop head.
Follow Taino Prince on Twitter: @ManifestMusick
_________________
Follow Ivy League on Twitter:
@IvonneLuciaPR | @TheIvyLeaguePR
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