Artist: Mr. Nova
Album: No Filter
Articulation: Virgil Cash
Oh Louisville, the city of minor support for great artist. Hailing from the city are members of Nappy Roots, Bryson Tiller, Father Jah, Jack Harlow, Mr. Nova., and several more. Mr. Nova has been around for years putting in work, yet somehow people seem to forget. Mr. Nova has taken a break from the rap game to do more production and it paid off very well. He has worked with the likes of Rico Love, City Girls, Action Bronson, Chevy woods and other impressive names. It’s almost easy to forget he is a hip-hop artist also. It’s been awhile since we got full project from Mr. Nova but No Filter changes that. He’s here to show that he’s more then just a producer. We are getting something different from Mr. Nova. So how do the changes line out in the long run?
No Filter doesn’t waste any time getting started. `Filter Gone starts out with a poem by Robin G that sets the standard for the rest of the album. Mr. Nova starts with a fast flow high tempo’d `Filter Gone’ which sets up the rest of the album. Mr. Nova lets critics and haters alike know that he could care less what any of them think. ‘Growing Pains’ speaks on his constant evolution of an artist and the growth he has experienced in the game. The guitar lead ‘Soul Glow` is a feel good beat as he talks about leveling up on those around you. There is one beat that particularly caught my ear `JJ' because of a crazy Chrono Trigger sample. It hit me instantly and made me like the song even more as he talks about a girl that he is feeling. ‘Closed Mouths’ sounds like a record cut by The Neptunes, as he talks about an always treasured missed connection and how it could have been changed with a few words. ‘Blood’ speaks on just that, blood, the dangers of family and the effect that it has on a person. It offers a very introspective look into an issue that we sometimes have.
It take a lot for an artist to go outside of their comfort zone and create something that could possibly alienate their fan base. Worst yet, your fan base believe that you are chasing a wave that isn’t yours and the fans are not buying it. Thankfully that isn't the case here. Mr. Nova made No Filter for him and it shows. A risk that could have turned out devastating but is a refreshing project as it continues a sound in that was found in the same realm of Amore King’s project "Valentine’s Day Jordan." His production is A1. He is lyrically as sharp as ever. And he plays his vocal lane very well. This all leads to a great project that is over a whopping 15 tracks. This is a project that has a little bit for everyone. It is great to see Mr. Nova back to form in front of the mic as well as behind it on the boards and production. It’s rare to see artist embrace their inner selves and create something that is super personal and Mr. Nova did just that. The album is definitely dope. All it all Mr. Nova, Welcome Home!!!
Dope Tho Rating: 8
Key Dope:
Filter Gone
Soul Glow
JJ
Closed Mouths
Dope Tho Rating System:
1-3 = Nope Tho
4-6 = Solid
7-9 = Heat
10 = Rated Dope Tho