Rhyming with singular focus and streetwise sophistication, Top Dawg Entertainment signee REASON is one of the compelling lyricists on the West Coast or anywhere else.
Starting the soulful next chapter in his young career, the Carson, California native native pours his heart into New Beginnings, his second album. Working with producers like Tae Beast, S1, Illmind, and especially Kal Banx, who had a hand in 8 of the albums 14 tracks, REASON crafts a soundscape that twinkles like Los Angeles at night, complete with syncopated bass, sparkling keyboards, and eerie vocal samples.
REASON sharpens his pen and cuts through the high-definition instrumentals with a gruff, yet vulnerable presence, expertly translating the environment that surrounds him even as he takes stock of all he still has to learn.
The follow-up to his acclaimed 2018 project There You Have It, the new album is home to previously released singles like the defiant “Pop Sh*t” with ScHoolboy Q and the recently-released “Sauce,” a Vince Staples-featuring banger that inspired a powerful music video.
New Beginnings also boasts new highlights and high profile collaborations with kindred spirits. On “I Can Make It,” REASON goes toe-to-toe with Rapsody, flashing perceptive, conversational bars about how they overcame their humble beginnings with hard work and a Midas touch. The 29-year-old proves his lyrical worth next to Isaiah Rashad and JID on “Extinct,” showing off his wittiest wordplay atop a boom-bap beat fit for The Beatnuts. Featuring additional appearances from Ab-Soul, Mereba, and Alemeda.
“I had to get rid of every fear, anxiety, doubt, and negative mindset to make this project,” said REASON in a statement on Instagram. “Through it all I’m just proud and thankful for the opportunity to share this part of myself with y’all. Humbled and thankful to all of y’all that have been patient with me but I’m proud to say ‘soon’ is almost here.”
Without a doubt, REASON is an extraordinary lyricist who lets his pen and mind speak for itself. 10/10, New Beginnings is the culmination of a massive year for the TDE rapper.
If you haven’t yet, take a listen to REASON’s album below and let us know your thoughts. – Lupe LLerenas (@LupeLLerenas)