Long Island, New York rapper, singer/songwriter & producer Jehry Robinson returning got his 4th LP. Coming up almost a decade ago off his eponymous debut EP & the debut mixtape Pts. IV-VI few months later, his biggest breakthrough came around Christmas 2019 after signing to Strange Music & quickly establishing himself with the KC indie powerhouse by dropping his full-length debut 20/Twenty the summer COVID had the world shutdown & a sophomore effort The Name Is Not Important the next fall. It’s already been a couple years since Drink More Water & is ending the month the way Strange started it with Hella Highwater.
Struggle Jennings joins Jehry on the heartfelt intro “Gates” telling the story of a family member who was recently released from a 12-year prison sentence whereas “Pour Up” featuring Doobie finds the 2 talking about smoking or drinking when they probably shouldn’t embracing a county rap sound. “Good by Now” mixes country, trap & pop realizing that love alone isn’t enough if the other person isn’t willing to grow while “Marathon” featuring Ty March sings about giving their lovers everything.
“Better” sends an sarcastic letter to that 1 person who’s constantly treats life like a competition over a creaky guitar & a smooth reggae-style inflection in his vocals leading into “Whispers” going for a pop rock vibe singing about not needing anyone to hold him down. “Whiskey Water” channels the energy of a lonely southern dive bar using water as a chaser whenever he consumes liquor while “Slumber” hopes of getting up from the darkness one day.
Wyshmaster produces the 2nd single “Pay Me” leaning towards country pop instrumentally singing that he doesn’t need to be saved because he’s too far gone while “Acoustic” featuring Jaimie Wilson joining forces for a duet about the group of people who only love you when you’re gone. “Backwoods” takes the Americana route a little passionately pleading that he doesn’t wanna slow down because it’s the only thing he knows while the summery “Mark on My Heart” experiences a breakup.
“Feel So Long” comes off assuring about all of us having our own sorts of pain & that contributing greatly to making us strong while the poppy “Why Don’t You” asking for the reason this person won’t say goodbye to him. “4 Seasons” featuring Zane Neale sings about loving their partners every season of the year & the self-produced “Pilot” closes Hella Highwater out by turning this plane around. “William Montgomery” however returns to his hip hop roots serving up a stunningly deft lyrical display.
Bringing musical fusion in a way fans have come to know as his specialty, Hella Highwater pushes Jehry Robinson’s artistry further than ever before whilst tackling a prominent theme revolving around all people having the capability of overcoming adversity & realizing our dreams no matter how badly we’ve fucked up in the past because we still matter to the important people in our lives. His palette is more diversified even if it’s more country themed, he’s more honest & extends a confidential reality check to those in need of it.
Score: 8/10