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Yo From The Heart, Vol. 2. 10/10 album. The amount of soul and emotion in this is ridiculous. I've been sitting here bumping and vibing and didn't even realize I had tears streaming down my face. Imma give my track by track first thoughts here.
Track one, Tired. This track opens with very chill vibe almost like a lo-fi beat compilation. I could see myself driving at night after a long day. You can visualize the emotions Chris is going through.
At 1:10 of the track he goes off on this machine gun flow rant on things happen around him and many others that you can help but relate to and feel. Great opening track all things considered.
Track 2, Dreams. This track is amazing, the beat opens up with this sparkly feel that truly speaks to the name of Dreams. A sort of Mr. Sandman vibe, but this beat is interesting as Chris paints the picture of him looking around at his situation and that of people around him.
He goes on to breakdown his own situation more fluidly as he realizes that in the second verse that the lifestyle he was around could be flipped away from drugs and applied to his dream of making it in rap.
This end of the hook is the most memorable part for me however, "Cause the graveyard is really a warehouse for niggas/Who dreams got submerged in the dirt."
Track 3, Typical Shit. This track I had the pleasure of bumping for the few days before the release of the project. This one really speaks to its name the omission of a hook is the first thing that stood out to me.
The way he and Deante go off makes it feel like more of a freestyle session after a smoke. Chris speaks from the perspective of the regular nigga just out and about chillin.
Deante parallels by coming in as the woke friend trying to put his homie on game only to be told it's not funny when he laughs at one of the dark inevitabilities of growing up as a black man in America, being zipped up in a body bag.
Track 4, Peace of Mind. This is my favorite track on the album. While it didn't have the biggest emotional impact on the album for me it was definitely the one I had the most fun with. There was as vibe that just wanted me to get up and dance.
Part of me wonders if that was the entire point as peace could be seen as just being able to be happy which this song for sure allows you to fall under the spell of.
Although the beat and hook are especially happy, Chris takes a more serious tone as he speaks on the influence of drugs and alcohol and how when it all fades you can often find yourself alone or with the people who really care.
The second verse goes in about the idea of happiness you can get from alcohol and the like only to discover that the ideal is a peace of mind going to the grave along side you.
Track 5, 3AM. Now while this song is one of the singles released before the album I didn't give it an in-depth listen until tonight. It's a simple love song. But it gives me a Weeknd type of vibe in its lyrics.
Going from the idea of lust in the first verse to talking about not only loving this girl but more importantly wanting to help her heal from previous hurt. Not through sex but just being up having those 3AM talks.
Track 6, Seattle Interlude. Immediately this track draws your attention with the sounds of rain falling. Chris takes a singy voice as he speaks about this idea of a girl being run around by this dog ass nigga creeping on the low.
He seems a bit like Mario in Let Me Love You questioning whether or not this girl is okay with being treated this way like a side piece.
The track splits off with a beat switch while still underneath the sounds of rain as they come to and end. As he speaks about being used by this same girl that he had feelings for despite her not caring.
Throughout that he still stays because he is hoping for her to heal and for them to move forward. I believe the rain or rather storm is there to symbolize her relationship.
That's why when it starts she still is in the turmoil but the rain stops as she comes to rely and spend time with Chris and the rain returns as she leaves him to go back to her previous situation/actions.
Track 7, Gray. This track begins a very emotional three track outro experience. Chris here talks about the darkness of the world from the death of his fellow brothers and his inner demons affecting his mind.
The hook shows this as he speaks about trying to swim while people are drowning. Verse 2 speaks to breakdown why this world of gray exists from being raised with the idea of what we now know as "toxic masculinity" to personally pushing things down as he muddles through life.
Track 8, Okay. This track is the middle part of this experience where you can see the sun for Chris' personal life. The opening where Chris says how his mom was gonna be okay.
He goes on to speak on his positive idea that he and his people were going to make it out a part where you think the album can be capped off on a happy note. However just like life things aren't always as they seem. Track 9, Give it all. Chris opens with a scheme speaking about
how one goes to succeed only to find reality is always going to adhere to your efforts. Chris follows up with speaking on his hopes for others saying that he would "Give it all" to be sure that they all could be not amazing or even the best but just to be fine. Final Grade:10/10
Thank you @Xchrispatrick for the amazing ride. Definitely one of the highlights of 2020 for me.
