Though it's not typically known as a hotbed for hip-hop talent, Arizona has started to slowly make a name for itself the last half-decade through artists like Lil' QWERTY, Injury Reserve, Futuristic and more. Trying to establish himself among those names, rising producer mowop has been quietly building a name for himself through intriguing placements. Looking to cash in on those relationships, he checks in with his engaging new album, 4r.
Clocking in at 35-minutes, the 15-track project was produced by mowop from top to bottom, bringing about a sense of cohesion moving from one record to the next. Not known for his vocal abilities, mo instead leaves those duties up to featured artists Kevin Kimble, $avvy, Ced, Quentin and perhaps most exciting, KEY!. Throughout the songs, mo firmly establishes his sound, forcing the rappers to get comfortable in his world. Utilizing soul samples, tranquil drum kicks and a fantastic grasp of pacing, the Phoenix native takes what could be a heavy listen of 15-tracks, and turns it into a breezy listen due to songs like the three-track-run from "4r tha folks,"and "Zealot." While personal standouts come in the form of the tracks without a vocalist, the undeniable chemistry between mowop and KEY! on, "Not 4r tha internet," shines bright as KEY! gets in his bag over a well-placed, Frank Dukes sample.
