The Lens of Love
Posted February 09, 2017
By JoshuaGalla_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Although Canopy is his first commercial album release, nobigdyl. already possesses an impressive footprint in Christian hip-hop with a resume including eleven singles and three free EPs under the Indie Tribe collective in partnership with Mogli the Iceburg and Jarry Manna. Canopy was primed to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2017, and when it dropped on February 3, fans were treated to a timeless release that promises to be in constant rotation for months to follow.
It may take the listener time to digest and appreciate nobigdyl. and his unique and clever wordplay. One recurring theme is quite evident throughout Canopy: love is the answer. Be it the love of our Savior, the love of a spouse, the love of a friend or even a stranger, love radiates throughout each transparent track.
Living out most of his childhood and collegiate days in Middle Tennessee, nobigdyl.'s ability as a storyteller is drawn from country music roots. His abstract talent as a storyteller reminded me of 90s hip-hop legend Slick Rick. And speaking of the 90s, strong ties to that decade are evident musically and visually with tracks like "Purple Dinosaur," which serves as a tribute to 90s culture. The track also offers a comprehensive outline of what nobigdyl. emphasizes repeatedly: love is the answer.
Some of the tracks address the side of ourselves we tend to shield, a side nobigdyl. emphasizes. Featured tracks "Burn," "Doors" and "Morning" use his own struggles to shine light on what Christ can do for us when we get out of the way. Another batch of tracks focus on the love we should share, as shown in "Siblings" and "Shade Tree."
Lyrical treasures are featured throughout this 10-track collection, and one track in particular stands out as a beautiful interpretation of worship held in the hip-hop vessel. "Suicide Nets" speaks to a society lacking in self-worth, love, kindness and generosity. Dyl. speaks, "you know I'll catch you when you're falling / and I'm going to take all your burdens / ain't no problem." With a message of a Savior equipped with everlasting love and affection for every single soul, this track will pull on heartstrings as walls surrounding hearts tumble line by line.
The lyrical mastery, the sound, production, 808's and overall musical vibe mesh flawlessly regardless of the track. The bass line never overpowers, but accents. The features complement Dyl's voice instead of drawing attention away. It may only be the second month of 2017, but Canopy should stand tall through the remaining months as one of the top hip-hop projects of the year.
The Bottom Line: Authentic love is defined throughout Canopy, channeled from Christ's heart and poured into relationships with a spouse, friends or over an individual's personal struggles. nobigdyl. outlines love by means of brilliant wordplay, creative track concepts and life experiences. Every facet of this release is smothered with nobigdyl.'s heart and point of view.
Song to Download Now:
"Suicide Nets (feat Emily Allman)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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