When it comes to marking out your legacy in the music industry, almost a third of the total recipe is determination; with determination for success comes plenty of byproducts, mainly sacrifice. With his latest EP With Love, Massachusetts-native rapper Gage Tielr has put these elements of his journey into a concise and impactful package worth a few spins.
Off the rip, the projects positions itself worthy of placement with any major mainstream market. Sure shot single like the intro, “F.W.Y.S.” — an acronym for Fuck What You Sayin’ — the dream big single “Emblem” (which received a visual treatment), and “Speedin'” featuring the silky vocals of Pyro Da God, establish Gage as ready.
My brand new single “Emblem” is now available on all major streaming platforms ! Hit the link in bio to watch the video ! #hiphop #rap #new pic.twitter.com/KiuhXtnNxK
— Gage Tielr (@GageTielr) August 10, 2018
It’s the insanely humanizing and — if your an artist — relatable tone he takes throughout the project that makes it connect. The lamenting of a fed up partner tiring of sticking it out for her rapper boyfriend’s dream of making bags is universal. The love letter to the one that got away, “Written Down,” and the closer “Talk About” with themes that touch on mental health, see some of the project’s most profound depth.
There’s this unspoken cohesiveness to the setlist that positions Gage in the fast lane; he has an excellent ear for instrumentals and careful curation of his work that make the EP come across as polished — right down to the artwork.
From what is gleaned from the literature attached with the release, it’s the result of two years of working to develop his sound. While the project fails to sonically breakthrough into any new artistic territory, his personality, cadence, and sheer honesty shine through and create a great impression — especially if it’s the first.
A lot of rappers like to take the fake it until you make it approach; Gage keeps it a buck, painting the everyday roller coaster of the road to riches with vivid color. With Love is worth a spot on your playlist this week, hands down.