New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Mr. Envi' Official Website) Whatever your feelings about Southern rap music may be, you have to admire the work ethic, especially when taking the tireless grind of their independent artists into consideration. There seems to be a keen understanding of how important it is to have regional success and how that must be achieved before national recognition or even viral video breakthroughs on the Internet. After a few false starts, it sounds like Mr. Envi' is on his way. Serving as CEO of Southern Stisles Records, this rapper/producer may have created a slow burner for the summertime with "Just Chill," the first in a series of singles to promote his Kollaborationz album.
A lonely piano riff introduces the song, held up by muted string accompaniment right before the beat kicks in. The production is simple and subtle: a low register bass riff with strings walking in its shadows, finger snaps acting as a metronome, and chimes sprinkled across the top to add a sensitive accent. The vocal hook is a memorable one ("How come we just can't chill?"), setting the stage for Mr. Envi', JTL, and Cornbread to drop lyrics about a troubled relationship. Each vocalist deals with a different aspect, debating whether they should stay or go, pleading their case for why the struggle is worth it, and going on the defensive when their woman suspects them of cheating. The instrumental is held back in volume just enough to allow the lyrical sentiment to shine through.
"Just Chill" is very effective as a first single, one that should have instant appeal not only with Mr. Envi's home crowd in Louisiana, but in all surrounding states that consider Southern Stisles a place for quality music. It's the best kind of introduction, speaking instead of screaming to get the point across, touching on a universal theme that all can relate to. There will be plenty of time to get rowdy in the club later; "Just Chill" is a reminder of the conversation that has to take place between a man and a woman behind closed doors at home.
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