EP, HIP-HOP/RAP, Interview, Music Reviews, New Artists, New Fire Music, R&B/SOUL, TRAP/HIP HOP
R – ‘All Or Everything’ Review
Oct
R is more than what meets the eye.
Illustrating his aspirations, inner thoughts, and experiences through various cadences, the Bronx-based MC uses his voice to push listeners to be their best selves. Furthermore, R gives prominence to world awareness, accentuating how vital it is to stay on your P’s and Q’s.
In like manner, R pairs self-manifestation with words to live by, thus proving that what we put out into the universe speaks volumes. Categorizing his musical style is entirely impossible, for the “Timeless” spitter takes admiration from a plethora of genres, including ’90s-type R&B, alternative R&B, boom-bap, and drill music. He doesn’t commit himself to music for the glitz or glamour. Ultimately R goes hard in the booth for his loved ones to put them in a better position.
R describes himself as a man on a mission. His end-goal is to leave his musical imprint, like one of the greats.
“When you hear of the Bronx, you think of the birthplace of hip hop,” he continues. “Big Pun, Krs One, The Yankees, Cardi B, etc. I want to be on that list. To hear others say that I represented the borough the way it should be represented is my dream. We’re looked at as the underdogs, but we keep fighting, and that’s me.”
The moniker R, which his friends gave to him, is a play off of his first name, Roberto.
“It just stuck with me as far as making it a rap name. I felt it was unique being that it’s just a letter. I always get a response when I tell people because they can’t believe that’s my pseudonym,” he adds. “But what’s crazy is that they [people] remember. It’s hard to forget, and it’s different. Who knows? I might add to it [his name], but for now, that’s what I’m sticking with.”
He embarked on his musical journey after doing it as a hobby. “My boy James would have the mic and laptop all set up, and we would record tracks for fun. We had some bangers!” he says. When it’s time to hop in the booth, R checks to see if the energy is right in the room and touches base with his longtime friend/engineer Prime. He also likes his sessions to have structure, so R speaks to Prime about the direction he wants to take the day before it’s time to record.
Though R strives off the enjoyment of creating tunes, he adds that feedback is a huge factor.
“It’s one thing when people you know support you, But when it’s a complete stranger telling you that your music is dope its truly humbling experience, and it motivates you to keep going,” he continues.
R’s latest project, All or Everything, attests to his versatility. Clocking in at 45 minutes, All or Everything sees the forward-thinking rhymester speaking about things he’s seen/heard, his upbringing, putting his loved ones on, and how he intends on turning his dreams into a reality. Like the album’s themes, each soundscape provides a fresh approach to his truth. In a nutshell, All or Everything has multi-genres, as mentioned above.
“This project was to show people that I’m not to be placed in a box,” he says. It’s my first project ever, so this is the first time that anyone, besides my team, has heard me make music. To me, first impressions are everything. So when they hear this EP, I want them to know that what they are getting is quality all around the board. We live in an era where everyone is making music, and 95% of the time, it isn’t executed right. You can tell there was no effort or real investment in it. When you hear my project, you can tell it took time and that the quality is professional.”
Standout tracks include “All Or Everything,” which serves old-school heads with a timeless R&B sample, “Embassy,” and “What Is Real,” to name a few. If I’m 100% honest, though, I recommend that everyone stream the whole album.
Over a beat rendition of Faith’s “I Love You,” R addresses the major shift in the rapshere via “All or Everything.” Recently, there seems to be a correlation between people chasing fame and pushing out negative messages in current times. But R is here to say that he intends to spread music that has substance. “Sometimes I just think about the state of the game/With little kids talking crazy cause they wanna have fame/Young cats cloud chasing, boy this shit is a shame,” he delivers. Additionally, R brings attention to the current pandemic. Elsewhere, he gives his thanks to those who’ve either doubted his greatness or spoken down on his name.
Contrary to belief, it gave him the momentum to go harder. “And for anybody out there who ain’t give me a chance, don’t approach me later on tryna sit on my Frank,” he spits.
Halfway in, the beat takes on an atmospheric feel, and R begins speaking about what truly matters to him. Moreover, the rapper explains how he plans on taking the world by storm.
“Embassy” is a trap offering that gives R the room to flex. Using a bouncy flow, R speaks about his drip and calls out the phonies and wannabes. As the track continues, R sheds light on his ways with women, spitting, “Told me I’m looking like something. I said, ‘what?’ She said, her future husband.” He also speaks successful ventures into existence while highlighting his work ethic, “Can’t keep ambition in cages. My focus sharp like a laser.” Not to mention, ‘Embassy” carries a catchy hook that makes the listen even more enjoyable.
Lastly, “What Is Real” serves fans with reflective lyrics and a boom-bap/R&B-like offering. Subsequently, R passes along some gems as well. To summarize, the “Too Authentic” rapper unveils how snakes can be someone you consider a friend and the envy that comes with leveling up.
“People praying for my downfall, it’s really a shame/When they see you moving up, they gonna say that you changed.” he spits along with, “So no matter the distraction whether friends or bitches focus on your business and they soon will witness.“
Deeper into the track, he addresses one problem in today’s society, especially regarding people wearing facades. “Many with the same experience, as you and I/ and somehow we haven’t realized we’re stronger unified.” He even calls out trappers. “But when drugs are your master, you got the hustle backwards.” In the end, R’s only goal is to “shift the game’s access.“
Moving forward, expect R to drop a couple of visuals, with the next one being for his track “All Or Everything.” He also intends on shooting music videos for “Show Me Luv” and “Better Than Mine.” R will potentially drop a new single before the year is over as well.