Posted on December 22, 2009 - by Antoinette

Review: Bryant Stewart – A Perfect Change

It’s nobody’s fault- hip hop is largely regional. Maybe that’s because the world is such a large place that in order for hip hop to complete its mission, it has to travel to its disciples, meeting them where they are. And although we love Common, feel Lupe and appreciate Kanye (most of the time, anyway), we need something new from the mid-west. Bryant Stewart’s new mixtape- A Perfect Change (released December 18), couldn’t have come at a better time.

The St. Louis, Missouri rapper/producer/writer/arranger/manager/and marketing whiz wears a lot of hats, but he has been making music since the 6th grade. Inspired by Ludacris’ “Back for the First Time”, he started practicing his rhymes, won his first freestyle battle on the playground, and since that day- it’s been on.

Lobbying for his spot in hip hop history on a platform of ‘change’, Stewart is prepared to attempt a feat many before him have tried and very few have been successful at: bringing some meaning back to music. A Perfect Change is most definitely a step in the right direction.

The first track-“Wake Up Call (I Go Hard)”, is soooo much easier to digest than Rhianna’s version. It sets the stage for a thoughtful, well produced and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. “Homemade” showcases Stewart repping St. Louis in a much more sincere and …well…mature manner than his predecessors, Nelly and Chingy. The fact that Stewart sings as well gives him an R&B edge that blends seamlessly with his easy flow.

“I Never Say Nothing” fuses insightful rhymes with clever phrases and tricky linguistics. Stewart’s prowess as a writer gives us all hope that folks will not only listen to the beat- but also try hearing the actual words.

“When It Rains”, possibly the best in the collection, brings back the high speed sample, (one of the elements that propelled Kanye to the top of the charts) using New Edition’s “Can You Stand the Rain”. Its inspirational message is the cherry on top of what is a tasty, satisfying and unexpected treat.

The bad thing about good music is that it rarely receives the attention it deserves. While Stewart’s goal of changing the world one song, one person at a time is admirable, he should know that he’s in for a long, uphill battle. The one thing he has going for him is the fact that music is ever evolving, tastes are ever changing, and the teeny-boppers of today will grow to become the dissatisfied music consumers of tomorrow. That’s where he’ll find his niche.

In the meantime, if all we wanted for Christmas was something worth hearing, here it is, just in time to go under the tree.

Be sure Download The Mixtape, and also Read Our Interview with Bryant Stewart.