Emerging rapper Errol Eats Everything unveils his new eponymous project in collaboration with renowned producer Furious Evans. The 17-track body of work runs the gamut with versatility, giving audiences a wide range of sounds and thought-provoking topics bolstered by edgy lyricism.
“The Inauguration” helps set the tone for the project with its rich commentary. Using excerpts from the late comedian Paul Mooney, we get a sense of direction and mood when the final words, “I will never sell my soul,” hit and voila, it is the perfect introduction to what is to come. The first song “Kingdom,” is a testament to the power of being black in a world where people try to demonize and look down on the race. However, Errol Eats Everything sets out to remind listeners to look in the mirror and find the strength to stand up to the oppressors while creating a kingdom to preserve the culture. The next tracks include the hard-hitting “NRG” where he gives tributes to certain black-populated cities and shows them love and support and the title track “Errol Eats Everything” which displays his lucid storytelling. Over a jazz-soul sampled soundscape, he details his numerous encounters with several women throughout his life. far from glorifying his player ways, the track explores the dynamics of man-woman interaction, ego, lust and an insatiable appetite as a metaphor of sorts.“Fly Girl” has a solemn vibe and is a tragic tale of fake love, and deceit where a man got set up by a lady he met. This is followed by “Everything,” a classic drum break instrumental with vocal snippets spliced into it.
The topic of race is explored profoundly in the following tracks. The anthemic “Ballad Of The Brutes” features Verbal E, where both emcees hold nothing back with their fiery bars and the track is accentuated by a solid Drake sample, while “Mind” continues with an exploration into Ancient African civilizations. “Beyond Yonder” and “Creases” dive into insightful themes like unity, the power of community and self-reliance. I must say, I do enjoy the soundscape used thus far. The subtle sample gems are blissful and lovers of classic hip-hop will have a field day identifying them. Social commentary on “Be Out!” is deep and reflects on the dangers of street life and the negative impact it has on not just 1 person but everyone around them. The theme is followed through on the following tracks “Automatic Traumatic” and “Don’t Matter None” featuring Isaac Sawyer. The records dive into police brutality and the social unrest it creates as innocent people get the short end of the stick every time. The verses detail the infamous incidents that led to multiple civil unrests and the hook “No justice no peace” underscores the sentiments felt by black people across the globe. “Stand Your Ground” recreates a scenario between a black man and a cop and delves into both sides of the coin with lucid details.
The last 3 tracks vary with their distinct sounds and themes. From the engaging storytelling on “Round N Round” about manslaughter, a dead son and the complex tragedy it creates in the community. “Eye Said What Eye Said” is a fiery stab at the powers that be and their wicked ways, and as the title suggests, Errol Eats Everything doesn’t mince his words. “Grateful” serves as the perfect final track with its classic drum break and piano sample and timeless message of appreciation and a soul filled with grace.
Errol Eats Everything is like a time machine of sorts. The production harks back to the 90s with a modern twist and blends a wide array of classic hip-hop songs, soul samples and vocal excerpts from the past with a message. A timely message of the power of the black race and its deep roots.