Words: @sjriptweets
Potter Payper impresses with powerful energy over a variety of sick instrumentals on his upcoming EP, ‘One Time’.
The 7 track project feels like it is split into three parts. The first two tracks take on topics like crime, loss and prejudice over epic instrumentation in minor keys, the middle section has the trap feel that Potter fans are accustomed to, while the final three jams feel more musical, introspective and soulful. The diversity of the project allows Potter to showcase the best of his talents.
You may have seen the gritty video to the EP opener “Normal“, featuring a Spike Lee-esque, chilling-on-the-hoop shot. Potter sets pace on the record with socially conscious observations, “She lost her son she can’t stay strong, it’s normal/They try labelling us scum like the borstal”, meanwhile, Maverick Sabre’s crooned hook fits the edgy feel of the tune.
The attention to detail on the song, with changes in the instrumental from verse to verse and a distinctive, dream-like outro over eerie strings, is truly impressive. “Bring It Back” follows with more social commentary, over a more minimal, but no less hard-hitting beat.
The middle of the project raises the energy, with Potter chanting, “I got Bobby Valentino”, over chopped drums on “Bobby”. Similarly, “Cats Eyes” is gritty and hard, with tales from the road delivered with style and ferocity. It feels like PP set out to make tracks 3 and 4 as head-bumping as he possibly could. He didn’t let us down.
On the back of this, the change of tone moving into the last three songs is striking. On “Max B” and title track “One Time”, Potter’s tricky flow is juxtaposed against melodic beats to great effect. The mellow vibe allows the MC to get introspective, a mood he captures with the bar, “Life is fucked but I love mine”. We feel ya, donny.
The EP closer “Real Life” gets into the nitty gritty of just that once again. “Most of my people never had no father,” Potter raps, with his trademark passion. As the beat switches up towards the end of the track, the MC signs off, declaring, “Ima die a legend / And I rap don’t forget to mention”. It’s the kind of statement ending that would characterise a Tupac record, and doesn’t sound any less authentic from Potter.
The EP has a variety of flavours but is consistent in its quality. It shows how Potter Payper is developing as an MC and will excite many about what is next to come from him.
‘One Time’ is out on March 25th, pre-order your copy HERE now.