NERD have been a longstanding necessity in Hip-Hop. The
sound of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley are always something to be
hyped. From the earlier sounds like “Rockstar”
in 2001 to the latest single “Lemonade”
featuring the long-awaited Rihanna and Pharrell collaboration we have waited
for, NERD is always something needed by the culture of music. It has been 7
years since we have heard a full NERD project, with Pharrell growing into one
of the biggest artists in the world, including creating a single which is due
to be released in 100 years, how much time does Pharrell have for NERD now?
The album opens with the Rihanna assisted single “Lemonade” which sets the tone for the
album, when I first heard the song I was not a fan. However, after a few more
listens, I now have it on repeat. When I heard Rihanna was going to team with
Pharrell I was somewhat concerned, how would this sound? Would Rihanna be doing
the hook or would she be singing the song and NERD on the beat? What we got
totally took me by surprise, Rihanna rapping over a heavy 808 beats and it
sounds fantastic. This is the collaboration we have waited for, and it does not
disappoint.
The next few continue with the futuristic vibe the album is
leaning towards, with the song “Deep Dow
Body Thirst” standing out early on, and definitely a song I shall be adding
to my driving playlist. The collaboration with Gucci Mane and Wale on “Voila” offers very little replay value, and
will probably be forgotten about in a month or so.
One of Pharrell’s strength which is apparent on the NERD
album is when a song needs a feature, as proven with the Rihanna single, NERD
call upon Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000 and Ed Sheeran on certain singles from the
album. Kendrick Lamar on the single “Don’t
Do It” feels like it would be something you can hear on the night out, and
you can not help nut move your body. “Kites”
as well shines with features, but this time, its MIA who shines right on this
single, with the vocals really working well with the beat and overshadowing the
Kendrick Lamar feature. “Rollinem 7s” however, is a track that is too futuristic
for the album, and the beats just sound like a horrible 4 year old banging the
808s and even an Andre 3000 feature saves the single.
NERD also show they can don’t need features, and can produce
music by themselves, and this is proven on the 7minute “Lighting Fire Music Prayer” which sounds like 2 songs combined with
1, however the beat and Pharrell’s vocals works wonderfully and proves why NERD
have been going for nearly 20 years.
No_One Ever Really Dies is a rather solid album from NERD,
showcasing the collective triplet at their best. Whilst they might not have
singles like old favourites “Rockstar”
and “Lapdance” they are still delivering
quality music, and in this day and age, that is always needed.
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