Rock Floyd’s self-titled album shows off his many hooks and grooves
Until now, I have only been acquainted with Rock Floyd’s work as a producer, but that’s no small thing. The man is a perfectionist with a golden ear and has lent his considerable talents to a number of local performers, including the “New Old School” diva Kindora Camp.
Now, for the first time, I’ve had the opportunity to hear the music the man makes for himself. The album is simply titled, “Rock Floyd.” It dropped Aug. 21 and is 14 tracks of hip hop genius.
It isn’t universally true, but in my experience hip hop all too often tends to fall in one of two categories. Either you have a brilliant rapper with music that only exists as a backdrop, or you have complex and interesting music bolstering a less than stellar vocalist. Floyd has knocked both out of the park.
The instrumental music is good enough to stand on its own. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to. Rock Floyd’s vocal abilities are as pro as it gets. His flow is flawless; the man is a machine on the microphone. Moreover, his lyrics are mature and well-written.
“Professional.” That’s the word that keeps coming to mind about every aspect of Floyd’s work—it is solidly professional. It doesn’t sound like the music of a hungry up-and-comer, it sounds like the music of a well-seasoned veteran who knows exactly what he means to do and how to do it.
“No Excuses” is an edgy kick in the ass to losers, users and posers. It opens with short, staccato lyrical bursts that climax in a nonstop tongue-twisting barrage of asphalt poetry. Seriously, by the end of the longest rapid fire run you find yourself wanting to breathe on behalf of the artist.
The tune rolls easily into track two, “Come and Get It,” which is a continuation on the theme, albeit a challenge rather than an admonition. The song is also notable for being produced by Floyd’s friend and collaborator, Mike Kalombo.
The next four tracks take a turn towards pure R&B and are simply gorgeous, radio-ready tunes. Lush in their arrangement, with sweet, multi-tracked harmonies, these songs are perfect mood setters. To put it another way: These are the tracks you play when you want to get some. Two of the four were produced by another friend of Floyd’s, Ej4rmda5thflo. I have no clue how to pronounce that, but it is clear that Ej4rmda5thflo has an ear for smooth grooves.
Featuring guest artist Kindora, “Caught Up” is another example of the solid production values of this album. After multiple listens, I cannot get over the fact that this is a hip hop album out of Trenton, GA. It sounds like it was taken directly from the rotation of one of Atlanta’s hotter urban stations. That may not be where it’s from, but that’s where it belongs.
From the first track to the last, everything about this album screams “Big Time!” If you haven’t heard of Rock Floyd yet, you will, and if you’re a hip hop or R&B fan and haven’t heard of Rock Floyd, that’s a grievous error in need of correction. You’re going to love it.
The album is currently available. To have a listen, look up Rock Floyd on Soundcloud, and to keep up with Floyd himself, swing by his Facebook page. An album of absolutely superb quality, I have no choice but to give it two snaps.
With a twist. And a kiss.