Sample the Martian, a rap “group” that is really just one guy, who also goes by the name eMpyre ramireX, is just as the name suggests. It’s a world away from current rap albums (or previous ones), and Self Made Loner might just be the perfect title for the rapper’s first release. But none of that is bad – Sample the Martian is one of the most refreshing things I’ve heard in years.
eMpyre is the Andrew Jackson Jihad of rap; he raps and sings with a flatness in his voice that can be chalked up to personality and isn’t a fault – he’s got something to say, and he’s going to say it. He’ll remind you of some of his influences like the Beastie Boys, but mostly, you’ll find his style fairly unique.
What eMpyre has to say is something you won’t mind listening to, either. He does occasionally swear more than is really necessary, but for the most part, his songs are clever and sometimes funny. “Brain cells dyin’ while I’m playin’ Atari/I kick it old school like a TV with a dial” he sings on “Battle In My Mind,” and on “Atmospheric Pressure” he raps, “Reality is priceless and useless to the sightless/ignorance is bliss that’s why I’m happy when I’m pissed.”
The tracks behind the raps are interesting, too. It’s not something you’ve heard over and over; these are professionally mixed tracks that you can tell were a real art to the person who made them. Each song has a near perfect background track and a lot of it consists of real instruments, something hard to find in rap albums. The music is as unique as eMpyre is.
Self-Made Loner is a work of art, from the cover art itself, to the carefully crafted music arrangements and the matching lyrics. eMpyre may have made himself a loner, but he’s also set himself apart in an impressive way.
Key Tracks: Battle In My Mind, Atmospheric Pressure, The T-virus
Abbey K. Davis - Sr. Muzikreviews.com Staff
June 30, 2011
