Homegrown is a 20-track collaborative album brought to us by veteran West Coast-based hip-hop artists Roc C and Ariano.  As individual artists, they have solidified their status with over 2 decades of noteworthy releases, appearances and contributions to the rap game, and together they are bringing their years of experience to create another stamp in history with this project. Aptly titled Homegrown, the project is produced in its entirety by Ariano and has Roc C as the lead emcee alongside a handful of fellow emcees, singers and a DJ. Led by the singles “Burn” and “Ask Me Why,” which gave audiences a glimpse of what to expect, and that is a profoundly thematic-driven project underpinned by a rich, engaging soundscapes.

From the “Intro,” we get a sense of urgency as the spliced vocal narration calmly welcomes us into Oxnard, California,and Roc C steps in to say a few words over the haunting backdrop. This leads into the single “Ask Me Why” which sets the tone for the project on a high note. Anchored by accolades by legends in the game, Roc C steps into the forefront, reminding us of his pedigree as a seasoned emcee who has been through it all. Lines like “Double X tried to dissed him/Tried to shoot me down before I started/this shots missed him from the cold I arisen/from a third eye vision/Around the same time I caught a case, had to abort that mission” underscore his experiences in an unedited style. The next single, “Burn” sees Ariano stepping on the microphone as well and is a good balance of melodies with raw, profound rapping. The track sees Roc C in reflective mode while Ariano ties the verses with his unorthodox melodic vocal style. On “Fall Down,” the duo recruit Sage X Price, and the result is an insightful look at the never-ending trials and tribulations of a black man who was counted out by society. The production on “Spoken Consciousness” is haunting and scenic and comprises punchy drums, moody strings with an ominous siren-like vocal. Here, Roc C share some profound stories about the effects of poor choices and decisions. DJ Romes appears on “Abstraction,” a laidback piece that talks about the ups and downs of being an artist in a modern world where nothing is granted. DJ Romes does some excellent scratch work on the chorus and adds colour to Ariano’s brooding soundscape.

The project continues to give different sides to storytelling and artistry from both artist. From heartfelt songwriting, relatable themes and engaging wordplay to complete the job. There are many layers that were peeled back as one ventures into the deep cuts on the project. “No Peace At Home” looks at the cycle of voilence, urban disenfranchisement and the blurred lines between truth and lies. Roc C recruits Shell & Dae One for “These Days,” a conceptual track that talks about go-getters who made something out of nothing but then, there is always a price to pay at the end of the day. The final track “Solidarity” features singer Emma Salisbury and is a solemn piece with nostalgic aesthetics. Here, Roc C is in full positive mode as he gives us a masterclass in self belief, growth and the power of a positive mindset. Alongside, singer Emma Salisbury adds a soul-stirring melodic performance on the hook to help solidify the track. Other notable tracks include the bouncy “Block Hot” featuring NY-KE, the herb-inspired “420” and the vivid storytelling shown on “High tide” featuring InFluSense. “Keep You Around” dives into broken relationships and the lingering emotions that follow.

Overall Homegrown is a snapshot of who Roc C is and what he stands for. His storytelling approach, commanding flow and knack for engaging wordplay and overall imagery are the focal points but we must point out that Ariano’s dynamic and versatile production is on par as well.