Colorado Springs rapper-producer duo Ronnie Gotcha and Odeljones have been on our radar for a minute, and now they are back with their debut collaborative album, Music Is The Biggest Glock, Volume 2. The 14-track body of work is a culmination of their hard work, and the result is telling as they take listeners on a captivating journey into their lives via thoughtful rhymes and soulful beats.
The first track, “Playground,” is a conceptual piece that talks about the dynamics of life, the never-ending trials and the gaining of experience points as one learns from the past. Backed by a solemn and reflective backdrop provided by Odeljones, Ronnie Gotcha drops more than a handful of gems with lines like “If you’re still here, raise your beers/it’s not the years in your life/its the life in your years/nothing really good comes without suffering/The pain the burning of the failure locks in the learning.” This leads into “Catfish,” a heartfelt storytelling that depicts the various savoury soul food dishes that are rooted in Black tradition. It’s more than just food namedropping but an enlightening discussion that explores black history from a food perspective. Next, we got “Axxess Of Evil” and “Promises.” These tracks are insightful pieces that explore thought-provoking themes. The former dives into social engineering, an underhanded corporate agenda, a system designed to keep the masses under, and the latter exposes the lies and betrayal by the US government, which has yet to compensate black folks for building the country under duress. Ronnie Gotcha doesn’t mince his words, but in the same token, he doesn’t come off as brash or uninformed; rather, he breaks down the situation with logic and historical facts.
“They pimpin out the pyramids period
The fact we not furious perhaps even more serious
Dutch master fanatic
but on my best day scholar activist“
Underscore how both artists continue to raise the bar on the project as they tackle a wide variety of subject matter that listeners can relate to. “Cinema” focuses on the power of self-belief and awareness, while “Come and Get It” and “MIBG” take listeners deep into the dark crevices of the concrete jungle where every move is vital for survival. “Come and Get It” employs a cinematic blaxploiattion-esque soundscape that helps Gotcha craft a vivid image of struggle while balancing art, while “MIBG” serves as the title track and reminds us of the power of messaging. It’s either you use it for good or otherwise, and the duo are not doing it for the sake of it but for a higher purpose.” Bunsen Burners and Beekers” is another insightful offering about the global black influence, his upbringing and the knowledge he gained that made him into who he is today. “US” is an ode to the American political and justice system, perhaps we should call it the injustice system, as Gotcha runs through some moment-defining events and cases that reshaped the country. This is followed by “Vault” an enggaing concept where Gotcha akins his mind to a vault filled with treasures and gems.
The project closes out with two previously released singles, “Ctrl P” and “Zoom Out,” two powerful cuts that bring the duo’s work to full circle. The former is bolstered by a cinematic and scenic soundscape underpinned by vivid lyricism that uses alliteration with the letter P throughout, and it’s expertly executed from start to finish. Ronnie Gotcha kicks off “Zoom Out” with a powerful quote “We gotta take back what’s ours when the power of love overcomes the love of power“as he flows confidently over Odeljones’ blissful, meditative and soothing production. The record is a brilliant insightful piece that explores self-discovery, awareness and the struggles that come with trying to be a better person at all times. Other notable tracks include the solemn “Love Likes,” the soul-stirring “Ms. Inez”, a maternal tribute to the most important woman in his life.
There is a good reason the duo called this Music Is The Biggest Glock, Volume 2., and we must add they are holding it for a good cause so pay atention.
Watch the animated video for “Zoom Out” below.
Stream on all DSps here.
Keep up with Ronnie Gotcha | Instagram
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