When it comes to self reflection while simultaneously crafting art with the homies, there's no one really doing it like San Bernadino's Cam Gnarly. On a quest to create while just trying to make the meet the day's need, Gnarly's I Took It Personal explores pockets of experiences bringing the rapper down, tackling introspection, personal growth, and painfully ignoring the vices to pursue one's goals.
These aren't places Gnarly hasn't explored in his music before, but the focus and intention that are constantly referenced throughout the project shine in every aspect of the overall album, from the lines of imagery to the aggressive choruses; Gnarly's gotten a leg up on a previous self.
One modem where this is evident on the production front. Gnarly puts him and his community first, always prioritizing the I.E homies as collaborators, and it's one of the homies, Teresa demonstrating the power in that. From top to bottom, Teresa is the only producer present and that dynamic chemistry and shared love and appreciation for the same soundscapes results in refreshing instrumentation.
Gnarly and Teresa's influences are worn proudly all throughout the project, resulting an interesting mix of traditional West Coast raspy drums to down to earth Trapaholic bangers, even showing influence from Chicago conscious Hip Hop. The latter describing the instrumental for the stand out track "Actors," the third on the project that catches the first break away from the heavy pace beats that started the project.
"It's self reflection time".
"ACTORS"' instrumental takes the aggressive drum kicks and adds a sensationally wavy synth progression, oozing charm that can be found on something of a The Water(s) era Mick Jenkins track. Gnarly slides on this beat carelessly, yet heavily focused, offering the most intentional bars that reflect the project. It's jazzy, building off thumpin' basslines and that addictive synth, providing the perfect space of exploration for Gnarly to meditate on his self destructive behaviors and the key for moving past them.
"ACTORS" is the first in three track run on the project where Gnarly shines the most energetically; with each song carrying their own distinct sound and identity, but really working best off one another. The wavy, laid back groove of "ACTORS" is met immediately with a similar, yet zanier, sample- heavy "DAMN IT FEELS GOOD," a track that still carries a thematic "feel good" feel to it, while still lyrically exploring interpersonal subject matters. The fun self reflection continues on "THE BACKS," with an instrumental that manages to one up the previous two in vibrance.
This specific section feels like a definite high on the overall project for their synergy in track placement and in demonstrating Gnarly's knack for self meditating lyrics over positive beats. But where the more joyous, feel good mood hits its peak, listeners are immediately engaged with the rapper's darker exploration of the concept, slowing down the BPM's and stretching the singing chords on "PROBLEM ADDICT."
Through melodic raps and ambitious production, the synergy between Gnarly and Teresa is enough to not only hold the overall concept of the project together, but act as a proper medium for Gnarly’s retrospective lyricism to shine. Together the two bring a project dropping in honesty, but tenacity in being open; a proper follow up to the rapper’s 2023 love letter to the IE, but with more substance to spark excitement for whatever comes next.
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