Westcoast Soul: Boogie Shows his Talent and Himself on Everythings for Sale
Compton, California’s Boogie is putting his personal touch on the new age of west coast rap, and its definitely moving in the right direction. It’s bumpin.
The term Westcoast Soul comes from the idea that Boogie uses Motown inspired guitar melodies, and soulful keys over the heavy low end to make a modern G-Funk platform for him to speak his reality, with a bit of attitude.
From the first song, Boogie shows the listener that an autobiography is forthcoming, with lyrics like “and how you at war with yourself and how you not confident and you insecure ” & “Ain’t no point in using weapons, I’m at war with my reflection”(Tired/Reflections), his honesty is clear and it persists throughout the album. The album is also a display of Boogie’s versatility as his known lyrical abilities are complemented by a soulful, unique and catchy singing voice with a raw R&B feel. Boogie, the Shady Records/Interscope signee, uses that voice best on the groove-filled, memorable tracks “Silent Ride”, “Skydive”, and “Time”.
Boogie performing at SXSW in 2015
Vocals may give Boogie a unique skillset already, but the content of his music has a powerful message to give him another dimension. Boogie’s frequently spoken personal issues on intricate tracks “Lolsmh – Interlude”, “Tired/Reflections”, and “SoHo” are prime examples of modern Hip Hop artists using their lyrics as therapy for those same issues, helping to end mental health stigmas.
Despite his versatility, Boogie’s highlight is still his BARS, Westcoast attitude is intertwined into his sometimes brutally honest bars with a sense of ease on standout “Live 95” where the beat makes you think a Warren G/Nate Dogg track is on. Boogie’s deep deep bag gives him the potential to be the modern Snoop Dogg of sorts because of his ability to transition between bars, catchy flows, and hooks with ease.
“Everythings For Sale” definitely bumps and continues to show its musical value the more you listen.
Bumpthought$ picks: Silent Ride, Skydive, Skydive II, Swap Meet, Time