This is the 7th EP from Washington, D.C. emcee of Nigerian descent FlyG. Properly introducing himself to the underground last spring off his inaugural extended play Soulful Journey, SPCL_CHRCTRS would fully produce the next one Serenade Symphony at the end of February & rising French producer Drega33 helped him turn more head with MENNBLVCK this spring. He has since dropped an EP dedicated to the 10-time WCW World Tag Team Champions & WWE Hall of Famers Harlem Heat, reuniting with Drega for MENNBLVCK II after going back-to-back with SHRPNDBLDS & A Righteous Tale.
The title track begins with a drumless chipmunk soul instrumental talking about being thankful for his patience this Thanksgiving whereas “GO@T” works in this prominently heavy vocal sample referencing WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson. “LFNTMS” soulfully talks about his father being a huge influence on him & a coward forcing him to an exit early while “TIMECOP” tells his dad that he wishes that he got to spend more time with him.
“CMBKHM” starts the 2nd half with crooning sampling chops talking about the concept of returning home while “B.R.T.$.” talking about his music being his calling & being the type to wind up on your favorite hip hop sites. The soulful “T.P.O.P.” confesses to things getting hectic missing his father & raising daughters of his own now just before “SHWNPRV” ends the EP making the game-winning touchdown with a chipmunk soul outro.
Harlem Heat & SHRPNDBLDS were both enjoyable for their own different reasons but considering that MENNBLVCK became my introduction to FlyG this past summer, I could’ve only expected MENNBLVCK II to join the ranks of it’s predecessor & I can confirm that it very much does. Drega33’s drumless production focuses less around the jazz rap elements of the original & prioritizing the chipmunk soul undertones, getting more personal than previously in terms of penmanship.
Score: 8/10