“The Problem is that the problem ain’t rap/can you help me articulate that?”
Jackson born emcee 7Even:Thirty released his third album to date on July 8th, 2014 to much critical acclaim. The Problem was entirely produced by fellow Jacksonian and Mello Music Group alumni Gensu Dean. The duo crafted a great album filled with a plethora of quality music building up to “The Problem”, the title track which closes out the album (omitting the bonus track of course). If Pharoahe Monch’s album PTSD was the hypothesis regarding the troubles surrounding the experiences of the black male in America, then the track “The Problem” by 7even:Thirty and produced by Gensu Dean is the theory which proves it to be true.
“And they claim it’s stand your ground/when you aint never had no ground/to stand on/cause the place you call home/they can come and tear that down”
7even menses no words as he delivers powerful imagery over grimy, classic Gensu production. The lyrics are powerful and the beat is raw, it’s boom bap at it’s essence. The video accurately portrays everything I envisioned when I first heard this track. On an album full of excellent music, “The Problem” stands out as a defining moment. It is one of those tracks that make you feel like everything in the artist’s catalog to that point has been building to it specifically. Malcolm Gladwell describes it as the Tipping Point, if you follow on social media, then you know this comparison is founded. The response to “The Problem” has been great, the video was well received by peers, critics, and fans alike. We sit in anticipation, as those who know, are aware that the best is yet to come.
KEYB2LOCK 