Von Pea

casperkatie — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:49:56 +0000

Pea’s definitely got it. The Brooklyn-based emcee, of Tanya Morgan fame, delivers us a healthy dose of that working-class rap we’ve come to know and love him for. Pea’s Gotta Have It is a predominantly fun, light-hearted listen; the majority of the record deals with familiar subjects of high school guys chasin’ tail, shoes, and of course, rapping better than other rappers. While this may not seem like a whole-hearted endorsement, it most certainly is. Let me explain. In a musical era defined by an often-congested landscape of choices, ubiquitous media, and compulsive, borderline-ADHD listening habits, Von Pea delivers a highly-entertaining rap album that makes for a great end-to-end listen – a rare accomplishment these days.
The opening cut, “Freestyle Live At Low Key’s,” may initially seem like an odd choice to start with. But less-than-optimal sound quality and Pea’s tongue-in-cheek welcoming remarks, urging listeners to “head out to Crown Fried, get you a three-piece and a biscuit,” is quickly followed by a gritty verse lettin’ listeners know he’s not playing. However, the tracks that follow are all play. “The Yorker” brings that disco-club vibe over a gem of a sample – an always-welcome dose of that feel-good.

Production is consistent, though not overly-experimental. About half the album is handled by AEON, with Brick Beats, Brizzo, Jamie Cooley, and Von Pea himself filling out the beats roster. Like much of Tanya Morgan’s Brooklynati LP, the music is warm, inviting, and catchy.

Like some of the best working-class rap (see: Little Brother), Pea is actually funny – real funny. On “Good Life,” Pea asserts he “never will / Jada tryna get my data while I’m sittin’ next to Will / tell her ‘Chill!’” And the laughs just keep on coming.

All of this amounts to an album that is a great listen from start to finish. I recall a recent interview with Black Thought in which he spoke on newer rap artists, and their ability to overcome any stigmas attached to being ‘new,’ in demonstrating respect for and knowledge of hip-hop as an art form. Von Pea clearly falls into this category. Track after track, he sounds at ease doing what he does, and his laid-back drawl only adds to the confidence he projects. Don’t sleep on this one.

-Dylan Grier

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Von Pea