Aspects - Impossible

 Aspects - Impossible

Release date -  Dec 13, 2020

 

 Shining some light on Ottawa based hip hop artist Aspects latest album Impossible for this review. If you haven't heard this talented dude yet you're missing out. An incredibly hard working, diverse musician, who with this latest release, brings some fresh beats to our ears. 

Can we start off by talking about that album cover? Impossible with the IM crossed out, leaving the words POSSIBLE just speaks for itself. Along with a ghostly Scorpion glowing between his hands, I think this is such powerful, well thought out album art.

Aspects has been on my radar for a few years now. If you follow him you'll see he's always putting out or working on something, whether it's playing live (pre-pandemic), posting covers, online streaming or heading into the studio. You can tell music runs through his veins, and he's got a variety of musical tastes. You'll hear him spit out everything from hip hop to soul, reggae, roots, rock and blues. 

Roll On starts us off on a high note. Deep rolling bass beat and KAIJA, another Ottawa based singer's, vocals meshing well together setting the tone for the rest of the album. 

Echos comes next with a feel good vibe and catchy chorus. If I close my eyes I can envision being in the middle of a packed Ottawa Bluesfest crowd with this song hitting like waves out onto the masses. 

Beautiful highlights his Louis Armstrong style vocals combined with local musician Ed Lister's distinctive trumpet playing intertwined, it takes me back to the days of dark smoky, dim lit bars and  strong cocktails.  

Playing Around brings things up a notch, starts with a pop-rock beat and rhymes, this feels like it could get some radio play and cater to a younger crowd. 

The next track At Times has motivational lyrics, preaching to live in your moment, no matter how hard it is you gotta' keep going, words that so many of us could benefit from hearing during these times. 

Do or Die feat David Strickland and Wanta Roll feat 613tino give us a deeper hip hop feel, a sound that comes off as natural for Aspects.

 Down for Whatever features Aspects super talented daughter Illiyah Rose. He has dedicated so much to her starting her own musical journey, it's amazing to see how close they are.  This song is really sweet and shows their bond is strong and wholesome. Check out some of their videos together on YouTube, you'll for sure be impressed!

 In The End is up next, it's bumpin' and shows another side to Aspects vocal abilities with some soulful highs on this easily danceable track. 

Worst Enemy is a tad on the darker side and I think touches on some inner demons we all might struggle with, Aspects putting it into perspective through his poetry. 

Mercy features another Ottawa based artist Nambi and brings me back to seeing them play together at Club 27 a few years ago. I remember this song and their combined charisma carrying so well, happy to hear this track on the album. 

Since first listen I've found myself putting this album on a few times, in the car, at home and overall, it's really really solid. Give it a spin on all major streaming platforms, and follow on social media, and give this hard working musician some love!