“I feel the sounds used in this album provide a gentle cushion for a deeper conversation around love as an energy that surrounds us, not an entity to possess.” That’s one hell of an album description, especially considering it’s coming from a young rapper on his debut LP. But that description, coupled with his single, “Young and Reckless” was enough to perk our ears and give Tru and his debut, Loveinfinity a listen.
And true (pun intended) to his words, the LA MC delivered.
The first item of note on Loveinfinity is the fantastic productions that frame every track. Tru produced the record himself, which deserves its own article, but needless to say, the kid knows what type of beats he sounds best over. The record is like a warm cloud that hangs over your ears as you listen. It draws you in and envelopes you in the atmosphere Tru wants to create. Songs like “Fuss,” “Don’t Worry” and “Rose Water” have pulsing synths that fill every nook and cranny of the track, but not in an overwhelming way. It’s rare to find pockets of silence on Loveinfinity, but in their absence, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss them.
At its best, Loveinfinity showcases a multi-talented rapper/producer from one of the industry’s toughest markets. However, not every track on here is a winner. Tru has a small habit of leaning too hard on the over-produced vocals, a symptom of the times, which puts just enough technology between him and his listeners to muddle the connection. On an album that focuses on love, and therefore human interaction, the use of technology feels frustrating. Those moments, on opener “Attitude,” “Over the Static” or throughout “Rose Water” are few and far between, though.
But back to the good stuff. As stated earlier, when the kid is on, he’s on. Single and standout “Young & Reckless” sounds like a dance party on Saturn’s rings, with enough bounce and color to wash out the less enjoyable moments. And the follow-up track, “Pain” is a simple and plain heartfelt confession that feels like it could have come from an OF B side.
Loveinfinity isn’t perfect but its worth every second of its 35-minute runtime. Concept albums are never easy, and the LA resident makes a solid effort on this one. With a debut like this, it’s going to be exciting to see where Tru goes from here.
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