The general stereotype for rap music is that it is a genre of little substance, serving as merely a celebration of sex, drugs and the degradation of women. If artists such as Eminem and Drake have not already convinced you otherwise, Hyro Da Hero may just be your one-way ticket to rap-rock love. The Houston-born rapper released his debut album, Birth, School, Work, Death on April 1.
Within 11 tracks, Hyro Da Hero successfully entertains the listener with varied instrumentals, sheer talent and empowering lyrics. Rap-rock artists face a difficult challenge when they combine rhythm and rhyme with the sounds of rock guitar, however, Birth, School, Work, Death incorporates these aspects eloquently. While listening to the album, I found myself nodding to the melodies of rock and reciting the catchy rap lyrics. With the distinct compositions of each song, Hyro Da Hero utilizes a variety of lyrics, structure and instrumentals, providing consistent entertainment throughout the album.
In addition to talent and well-written songs, Birth, School, Work, Death contains lyrics of substance and empowering messages. Although the album does contain a few vulgar references and drops of the “n-bomb,” Hyro Da Hero tends to stray away from rap conventions with his unique subject matter. He celebrates the power of the people and the individual, and discusses controversial issues such as racial, visual and societal stereotypes. He raps of social exclusion and prejudice.
Birth, School, Work, Death combines the intensity of subject matters such as racism and prejudice with the entertaining rhymes of a talented rap artist. Throughout this album, Hyro Da Hero creates an interesting blend of music that serves to please lovers of two distinct genres. Birth, School, Work, Death is a versatile album that would suit those looking for well-structured songs and controversial subject matter.
In A Word: Surprising