PYU: Memphis In Stereo (Album Review)
The intro begins with a highly contagious piano tune. Kept quiet
in its serenity the vocals kick into a harmonic duo. Immediately he grabs your
attention and puts you into his matrix. "Welcome to my world" Pyu's
first words pierce so vividly. This is the exclusive review of PYU: Memphis In
Stereo.
The Memphis In Stereo intro has an amazing production. The
perfected piano melody leans across its simplistic beat pattern. His
lyrics are context driven, explaining Memphis and his outlook on the city. Pictures
are painted with stark contrast giving you a feel of what’s to become of the
album. The flow has a simplified warranted design. Bass line knocks
heavy as he delivers an amazing start to MIS(Memphis In Stereo). The next track
"Magic" hits hard immediately after the skit. 90's style production
reminiscent to *Nas I made you look*. Pyu’s flow is heavy winded and chunky.
His lyrics and metaphors coast only above mediocre. This instrumental would of
been perfect for a lyrical showcase. Without the demand of a strict flow
pattern that opportunity was missed by Pyu. The chorus doesn't really deliver
much. The song and presentation fit well but didn't manage to touch or move the
bar pass the "good" threshold. The next record "Notomaroh" comes in with
excellent production. The beat alluring, peaceful and melodic. The backing
instruments fill the room making the production superb to paint the picture.
The chorus is dubbed heavily, accompanied with stereo distortion, it plays its
part. Pyu’s lyrics send off the mystery to the record, creating more detail and
urgency than your average club single. Lyrics find deeper meaning as the song
progresses which becomes even more captivating. This song mixes a lyrical
cadence while presenting itself as a radio single. Pyu's delivery is similar to
the other pieces on the album which is his stop and go flow, which never really
gives more to the record but an easy listen all the way through. Fly into "Jettinson" the
production starts off with an addicting "boom pap" simplistic beat
pattern supported with a perfect piano melody. Synths are injected into the
chorus to support build up. The production just feels good and gives you a
hypnotic vibe. Pyu’s vocals are incredibly vivid and ranged. His musicality
takes similar steps and delivery is as expected. The lyrics are what vault this
record into greatness. His content is uplifting and gives you that golden
era hip-hop vibe. The chorus is simple perfection. The singing from
Pyu is perfect. Accompanied by little effects his voice hits clear and really
soaks you in good vibes. This record starts amazingly and leads you into a
trance unlike no other. His feature: Chozen fits great into this record. His
performance has no hiccups but neither grants
any major moments. Pyu is the star of this record. Perfect
production, great feature, and amazingly delivered lyrics make this record a
standout to any project. "She Like it Loud" is the
next record. Drowned in bassline and thick mids.
Distorted voice effects and the apparent club appeal. Pyu kicks it
off with a lingering rhythm. The lyrics and delivery are nothing
special and lacks to capture. The chorus doesn't really add much to
the piece. The song has an addicting appeal, but not a lasting appeal. If it
was on and you weren't paying much attention you would like it. But
if you really put your time and thought into the piece it’s just
"ok". His feature: Ja Alan does this song justice. He has a
great appeal as his voice and flow is unique. Pyu’s 3rd verse add presence to
the song. His flow is even more dynamic, but as a whole piece the song lacks
the captivating feel any hiphop head looks for. "Sleepy
Hollow" slows everything down as the tempo takes an elongated creep.
The production is minimalistic but still feels
grand. Pyu has a great approach to his choices. Throughout the
album Pyu keeps production simple, still managing to birth amazing
pieces. Delivery is a little slower but grants the same
format. Pyu doesn't really jump out of his box at all. The
chorus is sung well, but never really peaks pass its safety net. The bridge
insert to the chorus is amazing. The screwed voices add that extra kick. Giving
a southern lean and breaks the mold slightly for the piece. His feature: Major Cook brings what he
can to record. His delivery is nothing special but offers great lyrics staying
in pocket with the piece. The song is good, but what lacks in the verses takes
away from the experience. Pyu delivers a performance that's somewhat
forgettable. Skip down to "Believe" which delivers a stronger
production and presence. The mids are distorted, bass
line is lighter and the beat rhythm is constant. The lyrics
and delivery are stronger than expected from Pyu. The record starts off
and paints a vivid picture. The beat takes your conscience for ransom as you're
sucked into believe. Pyu speaks on the complications of his city and
this creativity grants it a masterpiece. The chorus kicks it up a notch as it
brings you to understanding that this is his strong suit. Very well
sung, mixed and excellently delivered. It captures the hardships of the lyrics
without dropping the musicality. Pyu features on
"Believe" are strong. Drives the record into more originality as
verses are placed into a greater spectrum. The creative license Pyu took
on this record outpaces all other records to this point, which
was absolutely refreshing. "Pharaoh Shit" takes the
same approach as believe. The flow pattern often changes which brings more
excitement to the art. The production is common and meets his standard. Nothing
special, but a worthy mention. What shines is his complex lyrics and
performance. His chorus is great and shows great strength in his vocal range.
His passion resonates into this piece which leaves a lasting impression.
The musicality is superb as this record is one to mention. "My Negus" is the
last record on the album. Featuring: Chozen, S.P. & Omega Forte. All as a coalition,
they each bring their own originality which is amazing and grants the record a
special undertone. The production is simplified and the record is
more of an onslaught of lyrically prowess. It doesn't end the album
on the biggest note but drives what has been a smooth ride all the way through.
Memphis in stereo is an amazing album. Its highs going extremely high and never
give you the lowest of lows. Great production, clear lyrics and great
performances one after another. Moments that surpass talent gives you chills
as PYU showcases his energy. Choruses are well done and grasp
attention, capturing you into the caustic tales of Memphis TN. What hurts the
album is PYU’s "safety net". Deliveries are way too similar
making the album somewhat predictable. Topics, musicality and even
the production all coast similar lanes. Making it easy to pick one record over
another. Memphis In Stereo sometimes feels like a mono listen as its complexity
is pushed into one aspect. A wider range of topics, Riskier production and a
more exciting delivery would of created a masterpiece. Even with those faults
this album is amazing and gives you a lasting great impression on the
experience.
Pyu - Memphis In Stereo
Amazing
3.9/5
Get the album here today!
