Album Review: Bishop Nehru Drops Magic 19 Mixtape On June 3 ( Article Includes 3 Free Downloads)

Bishop Nehru has long been predicted as the second coming of Hip Hop. His rhymes have been exalted by the likes of Nas, Kendrick Lamar, and MF Doom, as one of a kind and true to the revolutionary essence of this genre. His last EP, Nehruvia, solidified that Nehru was bound to rise in the Hip Hop World, and had the potential to uniquely combine his influences of Wu-Tang Clan, Michael Jackson, and Tupac. Thus, I was excited  to hear his mixtape Magic 19, set to be released on June 3, and discover how the young rapper has grown in vision.

Nehru  has alway been seen as a blast from the past, which is in part what makes him so refreshing. If you listen to his Nehruvia EP or his album with MF Doom, titled Nehruvian Doom, you would sincerely believe you are listening to 90’s rap. For many, the 90’s was a glory era for rap and its commentary on racism, classism, and any type of prejudice/ discriminatory injustice in society. It was a vocal box for those that were unseen and unheard but deeply enchained to lacks of opportunity and access. Thus, for Nehru to be akin to such honors is a HUGE deal. The Brooklyn based rapper is sincerely one of the best rappers out there, which is a cliched, overused statement, but is rightful in this case.

When you hear Nehru’s flow it is as if his voice is the literal ocean, and, depending on his emotion, he will either make his waves smooth or rocky but always felt. There is something natural about his flow that is not forced or even practiced. The soul of Hip Hop is embodied in him and his consistent homages to the 90’s era make him as lyrically powerful as its heavyweights. Although Nehru still keeps his fun, musical 90’s rhythms for the Magic 19 mixtape, there is a maturity and spirituality to it that has not been heard from the young rapper before.

From its first track, Did I Find It?, the Magic 19 mixtape feels like you have entered a spaceship with Nehruvia being the destined planet. As you journey through the stars, you witness the supernova that is Nehru. It is difficult to describe, but immediately felt that Nehru has grown up. There are hints of greater wisdom in his words, that are still based in social commentary, but have a more targeted depth. If Nehru’s last mixtape was to exalt his talent and Hip Hop presence, this one is to elevate to listeners his mind and message. By far, Magic 19, is a more layered mixtape with an aim to reach certain brain and heart frequencies, while Nehruvia was simply about reaching. Now, more than ever, Nehru is assured in his talent, which gives him creative confidence to be assured in his voice.

As a reviewer and human being, it is always exciting to hear an artist grow, especially one that is a prodigy like Nehru. Magic 19 validates why he has been so praised for so long. Moreover, its fluidity as a mixtape is excellent and comes off clear. Nehru leads into each track with the grace of a storyteller that wants no confusion in the plot’s aim. The bassline and synthetic beats allow that fluidity to combine with his “past 90’s like sensibility” and that further Nehru’s spirituality in Magic 19. It is clear that Nehru wanted to make this mixtape a leeway into his soul and thought, which he does so successfully.

Favorite Tracks–

Sacred Visions– there is a holiness to this bassline and synthetic drumming that makes the track feel like its title. As Nehru flows into a stream of thoughts such as, recognizing his lyrical potency or learning to maneuver his enemies, you feel as it you are Nehru. You, too, are a child prodigy that from a young age has had to protect and prosper a natural talent many wish they could have and a few actually think they can take. P.S. the hook and chorus is dangerously addictive and will probably be on repeat in your mind.

You Should Know– the twinkle of bells are just a rhythmic trick to this heavy bass, sexy track. This song is for bouncing with your crew in the car or dropping mid-mix on the dancefloor. Not only are the rhymes intoxicating but seductive. I can already see every man in the club looking at their woman saying, “I just thought that you should know!”

How It Goes- I love this track. Its melody is so fresh and its repetitive hook is hypnotizing.  The rap song proves why Nehru is equated to 90’s rappers through its ability to make the era’s beats seem new and poignant to 2016. Similar to Tupac, Nehru never speaks superficially about an emotion. Instead, he speaks on the “nooks” of feelings. The hidden, often unspeakable aspects that give edge to a sentiment’s purity. Hence, Nehru uses “How It Goes” as a pensive piece on the fleeting loves and losses of life. One minute this one is your friend, the next he is your enemy…. like, Nehru says “It’s how it goes”.

Midnight Reflecting- the jazz background of this track makes it a visual experience. You can, literally, envision Nehru driving around trying to handle the influx of thoughts and creativity from his surrounding world. It just reminds you of those random moments of reflection we all have as we either sit on the train or walk around. It is a musical emblem to the few seconds we allow ourselves to question how and why humanity works the way it does.

Ultimately  I would highly recommend Magic 19 for those in desire for a good, cool rap album that gives you a journeying sentiment. Magic 19 feels like an entrance into Nehru’s mind, which is inquisitive and humble.  Often, the rap game can be tainted with too much lyrical and musical complexity. For a genre meant to represent the people. too much of Hip Hop can feel ungrounded. Thus, Nehru arises like a revolutionary because he stands with the everyday people. He raps about daily life and trying to figure out how you fit in or whom are you “true friends”. In addition, the beats are simple, but high quality, which means no one needs to prepare for 20 bags of autotune. Check out his Official Website and Facebook for more information.