MEET
ALVIN TRACE
ALL OR NOTHING MIXTAPE
The Golden Era of hip hop was a time long ago, when rappers were creative and original, a time before consumerism and capitalism were the driving factors of the art form. Alvin Trace's latest mixtape "All or Nothing" is not only an ode to, but an attempt to bring back this period in hip hop. Rapping with conviction and a variety of styles, Alvin's strongest asset is his ability to transform his flow to fit any situation. Whether rapping about the opposite sex "My Star", "Friend Indeed", rapping about his skills "Too Hot To Hold" or putting sucka emcees in their place "What U In My Face For" Mr. Trace does it all with relative ease. Lyrically, "All or Nothing" is a solid release, sonically is another story completely.
"All or Nothing's" fatal flaw comes by way of production. The beat selection sounds elementary. Some of the beats sound skeletal while others are extremely over done. "Friend Indeed" falls into the category of the latter. Starting of with mellow strings that make a nice melody the beat quickly nosedives with an overdose of whistles and synth beeps that don't fit the tone of the song. "End Of The Night" is another track where Alvin's lyrical prowess is almost hidden beneath the almost UN- listenable backdrop. While "All or Nothing" is nowhere near perfect the project does showcase Alvin Trace's potential for hit making…if only he had a producer.
Aaron "Uncanny" Phillips.
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