Review Summary: Hop can probably make you bounce.
The title of this album sums it up perfectly. Marcus Hopson, better known by his stage name, Hopsin, is a underrated, angry, not radio friendly, rapper who wants the world to know who he is... and that he hates the late, great Eazy-E's wife, Tomica Wright. I first heard of Hopsin on Tech N9ne's song, "Am I A Psycho?" and i was really suprised. The line that really got me going was when he said "If I was sane I’d put down the mic and say *** it I’ll never rise to fame." after that, i had to check out his music.
Raw is Hopsin's second album and first to be released through his own label, Funk Volume. This album is filled with serious, fun, and some interesting songs. The piano in "Im not Introducing You" makes you feel happy and cheerful which is great, while "Heather Marie" is a serious/love type song. Now, you may be thinking "Oh gosh, another love song." well, Hopsin executes this song with such passion, it's quite amazing. Also, "I Cant Decide" shows his great story telling skills, voicing out characters makes it sound great. Some songs like "Baby's Daddy" dont really have to be on the album but are still fun.
Remember when i said that he hated Tomica Wright? Well, she signed him in 2007 to Ruthless Records and basically never gave him the money he deserved. He talks about her on a number of tracks, which makes you see his hate for her. Mainly on "You Are My Enemy" and "Kill Her." The latter being more obvious. Like i said, he talks about her on quite a number of tracks but, it never gets old! His lyrics are pretty damn great in every way. He also disses quite a few rappers including Lil Wayne, Drake, and Waka Flocka Flame. Oh and also disses President Obama on one of the best tracks on the album, "Nocturnal Rainbows." This track really shows his great flow and lyrical ability.
Hopsin holds absolutely nothing back on
Raw and thats what makes this album such a great listen. The flow, the lyrics, the overall feel of this album is fantastic and out shines most rappers out there today. Give
Raw a listen and im sure you will be hooked. Big things are going to happen for Hopsin, the only question is, when?
Recommended Songs
Nocturnal Rainbows
Sag My Pants
How You Like Me Now
You Are My Enemy