South Bronx-raised EZ-Q Universe wears many hats: producer, rapper, songwriter, and even entertainment lawyer. Currently living in England, he’s prepping his debut EP, Soul Volution — a project that he claims will make no compromise in quality or 90s aesthetic.
Falling in love with the genre in the late-eighties, he was first introduced by a friend whose mother was dating a member of the critically acclaimed Ultramagnetic MC’s (the group which birthed Kool Keith). Coming of age during the golden era — in the birthplace of hip-hop itself — his music carries that same sensibility, with a soulful sound reminiscent of the Native Tongues collective.
The (upcoming) seven-song project, which he previewed via SoundCloud, is laced with enough golden-era New York swag to move even the most jaded listener. From the Camp-Lo-esque rhyme patterns of “Gettin’ Hot” and the empowering message behind “Black Exodus to the endearing Neo-Soul vibe of “Dear Mama” — a thank you to his mother — there’s more than enough quality to get you hyped for the full listen.
The project will be everywhere May 18; for now, give the preview a spin.
