SINFUL VOL. 1 is a 15-track project from Chicago artists Zay, the Don and producer/engineer Hector. The trio have been working on this project for about two years now, and they are ready to show the world their style of rap filled with personality, engaging storytelling and punchy beats.

The project starts with a bit of urgency and sets the tone for audiences to dive into the meat. From the “INTRO,” we get a sense of the direction they plan on taking us. On a positive note, they keep things engaging and thoughtful with a mix of reflective and playful bars. The upbeat “2 TONE FREESTYLE” displays an engaging tandem between Zay and the Don with lines like “and the game be needing the most, there is nothing else I could have added/Couldn’t have added, fly like Aladdin/Really up next I shine like a Patek/ Fantasy living you gotta go grab it” while “SINS!” is predicated on flexing on the naysayers alongside giving a treat to that special someone. The production on “FEEL NO WAYS”  and “ASSASSIN” are heavy and hard-hitting. The former has a solemn sample with a scenic feel, while the latter’s slick acoustic guitar is the driving force that gives it a unique feel. On both tracks, the emcees deliver raw, unfiltered bars with splashes of brilliance here and there. “AUTOMATIC” has a moody and ominous string sample with mysterious textures underpinned by bass-heavy drums and once again is filled with catchy hooks and vivid rhyme schemes from Zay and The Don, who embody the spirit of go-getters who are laser-focused on their goals. The underlining soulful sample on “FALLIN” is well-crafted, rich, engulfing and perfect for the rapper’s reflective rhymes that explore personal struggles, regret and coming to terms with the cards life dealt them.

The second half of the project starts with “EYES (INTERLUDE),” a laidback heartfelt tune that explores the dynamics of love between two individuals. The track involves a lot of pleasing melodies and emotional songwriting. This serves as the more reflective side of the project, and it’s a welcomed change. This leads to “SAVED,” a sublime future R&B/hiphop-infused track comprising woozy synths, ethereal textures and vocal samples underpinned by heartfelt lyrics that explore heartbreak, inner fears and self-doubt. It’s a one-verse song that ends with a poignant narration at the end that implores audiences to seize the moment and avoid fear paralysis.  The cohesion of the production style on SINFUL VOL. 1 must be admitted and audiences are not thrown off by experimental and offbeat sounds but rather by dynamic and forward-thinking beats. Tracks like the bouncy “SEE ME” and,  “LOST IT ALL” are examples of such sounds, and the rapping and storytelling from both rappers are on point as well.

The project closes out with “1 CALL,” a mid-tempo drill/R&B infused track laced with playful and intentional rhymes laced with bravado and expressiveness.  Other notable tracks include the love-drenched “YOUNGER(SUMMER NIGHTS)” featuring vocalist Color, “Go” with its punchy and introspective vibe or the sultry “COME THRU” which peers into puppy love and the dynamics of maintaining a relationship.

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