We all know that spots like Brooklyn, Chicago and Houston have been responsible of birthing hip hop's most prominent figures, but what if I told you that Hawaii is about to be a problem? Alas, from the land of palm trees and puka shell necklaces (you know, the kind you were rocking back in the junior high days) lies PRIE, a 22 year old up and comer who's poised to make some big moves. The Honolulu based rhymer has teased us with a few releases over the last few months, but his latest work, Beautiful Memories, is without one of the nicest projects I've come across as of late.
While most acts are recycling the same trap or DJ Mustard type beats, PRIE goes against the grain with a series of grooved out, jazz heavy instrumentals that provide a much needed breath of fresh air. Prie is in good company on the album: everybody from Chemist, and Mr. Carmack to Tom Misch contribute to the albums with their spectacular sounds. Stylistically, his flow and introspective wordplay will keep you coming back for more. Each track–and even the skits–were enjoyable, but if I was forced to pick some standouts, "For My People" and the closer, "Memory Lane" are the two that I feel best represent PRIE's ambitions and musical ability on this 9 track gem. 2014 may be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean we can't reflect on the times we've had this year. Let's hope that PRIE's cooking up some more tracks for 2015.
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