Prophets and Losses
Sample track from SpotifyListen to the full album on Spotify →
Brooklyn-based rap artist Profit Elijah‘s new album Prophets and Losses is a 14-track body of work that explores life after wins and losses. It’s a thorough look at how life-changing events and experiences reshape one’s outlook, but most importantly, how one can move on after all is said and done.
The project starts with “Still Here,” an anthemic piece that welcomes listeners into Profit Elijah’s world. Bolstered by a triumphant synth chord and cinematic texture with punchy drums, Elijah opens the floodgates with bars like
“Journeyed through the wormhole, that’s how it kinda feel/Hard times let the spark fly like I’m grinding steel/Am I the one behind the wheel/ or Im just the driving force/striving and surviving loss/ riding till I’m signing off/guided by a higher source/I was lost/then found”
The next track is “Unleashed,” an aptly titled cut that finds Profit Elijah in his element as he states his mission parameters and the guardrails that govern his moves. The next two tracks are collaborative tracks where Profit Elijah hangs with some of the best emcees in the game. The first one, “Grown Man Bars,” features Joell Ortiz, and it’s a masterclass in lyricism, with both emcees trading no-holds-barred over a dark cinematic backdrop. The second “Boom” finds Method Man continuing in a similar vein with a bout of super lyrical performances that will make lovers of hardcore rap smile from ear to ear.
“Radio Kind” has a contemporary pop sound reminiscent of Eminem/Gym Class Heroes. Here, he talks about self respect, integrity while showing disdain for the current trend of acting out of character for likes and clout. He doesn’t mince his words as he refuses the overbloated rap tropes with lines like “This shit’s bananas/fix your grammar/ get some manners/ you’re grown/and if you are missing the point, then let me hammer it home/when the glamour is shown, and it shimmers your sold/Just remember that not everything that glitters is gold.”
“They/Them” starts with a speech about social equality and proceeds with Elijah sharing his thoughts on real-time issues ranging from advanced wars, social degradation and the gradual decline of solidarity in the world. Over a warm and soulful backdrop, he sounds despondent about the entire situation and leaves listeners with a call to action before it’s too late. “Loyalty” finds Elijah teaming up with the legendary emcee Kool G Rap, and together they give their respective thoughts on the topic. Kool G Rap sets the tone with his legendary multisyllabic rhyme schemes and vivid storytelling that drops listeners right in the mix of the action, followed by Elijah’s laidback flow and take on treacherous snakes who lurk behind friendly faces.
The next track, “Rock Star Shit,” is an anthemic collaboration with Ghostface Killah and, as the title suggests, it finds both emcees embodying the mantle of rock stars who live the life we can all dream of. The lyrics are bravado-filled and edgy and use several references to legendary rock bands. It’s conceptual and entertaining from start to finish, and the electric guitar-driven backdrop enhances the entire theme. This is followed by “B.Q.E,” featuring another Queens emcee, Action Bronson, who comes through with his outlandish and off-kilter imagery, followed by Elijah’s smooth cadence that sees both men paying homage to their respective boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens.
On “Almost Forever,” the project enters another solemn territory where Elijah goes introspective and pens an open letter to that special someone. He acknowledges his part in what led to the disintegration of their relationship and takes full accountability, but also recounts the great memories. The final track “Prophets and Losses” brings the project full circle and gives listeners another glimpse into Profit Elijah’s life. From his internal struggle, losses and near mental breakdowns, Elijah shows how he found strength at the bottom and found his way out. The track highlights Elijah’s knack for vivid and personal storytelling and ability to be vulnerable without sounding hackneyed or forced.
Other notable tracks include the reflective “Momentum,” the dark vibes of “The Road” and “Platinum Peasant,” which samples a classic R&B cut and finds the rapper in his element as he drops hard-hitting bars with raw bravado. The tracks explore different sides of the man called Profit Elijah and the weight that stays on his shoulders as he tries to balance it all with his creative side.
Keep up with Profit Elijah | Instagram
This review was made possible by SubmitHub.
