Boston emcee M-Dot and producer  Confidence have finally released their long-awaited collaborative album, Library of Sound. The 11-track body of work has been in the works for a while as the duo deliver back-to-back singles that kept fans waiting patiently. From the moment you hit the play button, one is transported to a lost era of hip-hop where skills matter over everything else.

In this project,the duo do not compromise on what truly matters to them and unapologetically presents listeners with the classic East Coast sound, with heavy, gritty drums, cinematic soundscapes and a mix of insightful and no-holds-barred rapping that M-Dot is known for. It feels like two contemporaries locked in with zero distractions to create a moment in music that captures the raw essence of hip-hop.  confidence being the sole producer keeps it consistent and cohesive throughout the project, delivering non-stop menacing backdrops to suit M-Dot’s laser-focused rhymes.  The opening track, “No Bail Out,” is an anthemic piece that is aimed at the perpetrators who disrespected the art form at every turn. M-Dot has nothing but verbal body blows for these wannabes and pretenders who lie and slide into the mix, but unfortunately, there is no hiding place for them now. Tracks like “Primavera” oozes nostalgia and sees M-Dot trading bars with two NY hip-hop giants, Big Shug from the acclaimed Gangstarr Foundation and Queens general  Royal Flush. The result is a brilliant, lyric-dense jam that pays homage to the foundations of true hip-hop while the soulful, “Rollercoaster” ventures into the reflective and grateful arena with M-Dot taking stock of his musical journey and the ups and downs that come with life, including the fans and close friends who stuck by him.

The project proceeds with intent and passion as the pairing of these two showcases the undeniable chemistry between dope raps and dope beats. “The Consistency” lives up to its title as M-Dot runs through his body of work and clout in the game, while on “Roadwork” and “The Reign,” M-Dot shows us a masterclass in rapping. From deftly rhyming schemes laced with raw bravado and a dash of insight, we get to feel his pain and hear him boast in the same breath. However, it’s not all braggadocio or rhyming for the sake of it for the Boston rapper, as he has quite a story to tell about his adventures as a musician. Tracks like “Three Story Building,” “Breathe-In,” and “The Run Around” have elements of his gift of gab and unconventional off-kilter writing that make him stand apart. The final track, “24 to 1,” brings the album to a somewhat sullen note, where M-Dot looks back in time when life was different. He details some near misses, lost chances and various colourful characters who added texture to his life.

Overall, Library of Sound is excatly what it sounds like. It brings together sharp, witty rhymes, punctuated by vivid storytelling, engaging performances and of course rich soundscapes that tie everything together.