moMINTs

With multiple records under his belt and a Grammy nod for artist of the year in 2022, I always knew I would get around to checking out Tobe Nwigwe's major record of the same year, moMINTS. Backed with tolerable Trap production, diverse lyrical themes are all over this album including social differences, overcoming struggles, and an unequivocal sense of confidence.

The opening 'ROUND HERE' tracks are cool, brief starts to the album, but they pale in comparison to the real show starter, 'DESTRUCTION'. Fuck what Tobe is spitting about on this track. 'DESTRUCTION' is instrumentally so much fun. I thoroughly enjoy most if not every musical aspect of the song. There is so much to appreciate about the track from the hard hitting 808s, to the gunshot adlibs and realistic percussive samples, all the way to the synth laced bass lines. Coast Contra gives an admirable feature as well. 'LORD FORGIVE ME' has grown on me through each listen with classic production credits form Skateboard P. The vocal lead on 'BEEN BROKE' is pretty mediocre. However, the beat itself is pretty tough and 2 Chainz has an enjoyable verse. The weird "conversation" that Froggieraw has on 'HEAD TO HADES' is pretty odd yet somehow somewhat comical. Overall, the feature doesn't add much to the song. CeeLo Green has arguably one of the more standout performances on moMINTS. I don't think I've ever heard CeeLo rap but he does his thing on 'CATFISH BLACKENED w/ GRITS'. 'BIG CAP' quite possibly contains the weakest songwriting on the entirety of the album. Regardless of this redundancy, the deliveries from both Tobe and Fat are solid enough. Also funny enough, it was literally today where I found out that Tobe and Fat are a married couple. Just a cool little note.

After listening through this record a number of times, I am admittedly feeling somewhat disappointed. I do however realize the talent and potential of Tobe Nwigwe. Not only as a rapper but most certainly as a producer and beat curator. Tobe claims he's one of the realest people he's ever known and he only desires to artistically make purpose popular. I think he did that just enough on this LP but I would like to see him be a little more daring with future releases, thematically and sonically.