Motown Priest – Hawthorne [LP]

In Hawthorne Queens-by-way-Detroit emcee Motown Priest takes listeners on an introspective journey into urban life, revealing the struggles and triumphs of black life in America. The album, featuring a diverse range of beats and exceptional storytelling, provides an unfiltered look at the challenges faced by the poor and underprivileged in inner-city communities – even though its message spills way past any imaginary borders.

The album opens with “Great Depression (Intro),” immediately setting the tone with its jazzy, poetic feel. Priest‘s analysis of poverty, crime, and the prison system is underscored by a beat that incorporates crystalline flutes, bells, strings, and pianos, eschewing drums and percussion for a more somber atmosphere. “Pandora’s Box” continues this exploration of inner-city life, with Priest painting a vivid picture of the curse of fast money. The track’s jagged electric guitar lines and tumbling drums create a sense of urgency, while subtle spacy effects add an otherworldly dimension. On “The Calogero Effect,” the tuned in wordsmith takes listeners down memory lane, reflecting on the bitter and the sweet aspects of growing up around older hustlers. The cut’s old-soul vocal loop, reminiscent of a 60’s era soul record, adds a nostalgic touch.

https://motownpriest.bandcamp.com/track/farewell-to-welfare-prod-by-fendi-pendergrass

“Farewell to Welfare” sees Priest adopting a pragmatic viewpoint as he rhymes from the perspective of a drug dealer trying to survive in a harsh environment. The beat’s electric piano notes evoke a sense of danger, shifting from an alarm-like sound to a mellower, 70’s crime flick-inspired vibe. In “Employee of the Month,” Priest sounds as if he’s sharing hard-won street wisdom with a newcomer to the game while the beat – which features layered synth chords and 80’s pop-soul vocal samples, creates a weirdly soothing, “chilling on a park bench” atmosphere. P also examines the demigod-like status that local crime figures can take on in “New Religion” and the pitfalls of an unchecked alpha- mentality in “Alphabeta.” Additionally, tracks like “Nathaniel’s Mask (Interlude)” and “Dreams, and Stories to Tell” create introspective moments, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences. The album concludes with “The Drug Money Theory,” an exploration of America’s obsession with money and the cognitive dissonance it generates in so many of us. This thought-provoking track serves as a fitting end to a compelling collection of songs.

In Hawthorne, Motown Priest has assembled an album that not only speaks to the struggles of the urban experience, but also offers a glimpse into the resilience and hope that can be found amidst the grime and grit of it all. With its diverse, evocative beats and poignant storytelling, Hawthorne is a powerful and timely addition to the hip-hop landscape.

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https://motownpriest.bandcamp.com/album/hawthorne

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