Jus Rival drops Rivz Strikes Back II, and with it, allows a glimpse into his current mind process. From the gully to the mature, Rivz creates a beautifully flowing, complete record, that holds many key elements of life. And here, takes us on a musical journey of its ups and downs; light and dark; the real; the personal; the relatable.
Rivz Strikes Back II
is a dynamic follow on from its predecessor. Flows are on point and in
abundance. Content is rich and full - from the confrontational and grimey, to the
introspective and thoughtful. And instrumentals take us on a whirlwind of vibes.
Rivz puts a lot of himself into this record and it shows. We receive a snapshot of a man - though ageing, still young; knowledgeable through experience; with a rife history in music; and aware of significant change.
Rivz puts a lot of himself into this record and it shows. We receive a snapshot of a man - though ageing, still young; knowledgeable through experience; with a rife history in music; and aware of significant change.
The project contains features
from the likes of Mic Ty, Murkage Dave, NI.KO, Faith, Dubz D. And production credits of Filthy Gears, Freeza Chin, Tre Mission, Jear, NIBZ, Walkz, CRT, and Audio Slugs. Engineered and mixed by Dubz D.
“Walk in the game, took violent steps / Look right and left, and I light my heads / Pattern up or get pied on set / Them man there, just minor threats”
The East Londoner
commences with nostalgia. From the US to the UK, some of the greats have
patterned this record. And this is how Rival begins; with a colossal
introduction from an iconic flip on “R.O.N” (The Fugees "Ready Or Not"). Starting with a
hair-tingling rumble, moving into Rivz vicious bars, and ending with a mean bass
solo.
“Arya Flow”, produced by Filthy Gears, is next. Previously released as a single in August, it ushers in a surge of energy and some lightening lyrics from the MC. Rap’s infamous evil cousin
drill, breaks down the door in the following track “Good Game”, before we reach
our first break. As the “old man” hits 30, Rivz lets everyone know whether he
can still spit, on a quick skit titled “Old man Rivz”. This skit comically
breaks the cycle of the project, and provides a detailed insight into himself
and history; old friends; old environments; and the wash of MCs.
“None Of” holds the
record’s first feature; from Mic Ty. This confrontational track steps to its
opps and uses its screw-face as a narrative. After the pair have finished
“ramping with neeks”, Rivz pacifies the mix with a sweet relaxation and good
energy. “That Time” represents the weekend - optimistic views, ventures for
better dreams, and pleasant vibes. This laid-back atmosphere continues as we
move into “D.W.Y.W” - a story-telling record and smooth fusion of rap and
R&B. Sweet vibrations linger as “Late Night Drive” shuffles in; the first
track particularly aimed at the women. In between the soothing chorus’ from
NI.KO, Rivz speaks on lust and late night drives in pursuit of ‘love’.
At this point, Rivz
switches gears and proceeds to get more introspective. He dips into his singing
bag, as an excellent hook is produced on “Different Man”.
"I went L.A. and came
back as a different man / I got some different plans / I got some instant plans
/ Saw some views not on no Instagram / They’re living different man / And the
weed’s so loud it was some different grams / I got some different plans / Came
back as a different man”
Rivz’ singing holds a
nice key and merges well with the dynamic instrumental - it’s wavy, motioning,
and bumpy; smooth but you can still tump it. Rivz looks into himself; his life
and his L.A. visit. What results is an interesting perspective of a man being
changed by something.
“Searching Around”
presents a lovely, warm and hopeful instrumental, whilst Rivz and Dubz D touch on
contemplation, observation and life pursuits. “Have A Toast” pumps up the
energy once again in a celebratory cheer to himself and middle finger to
paigons. This song and the following, “Rebel 59”, seem to merge flawlessly
into one another - though explain a contrast of tales. “Rebel 59” takes the
previous’ celebrations and, as a drunken happiness turns to sudden feelings of sorrow (or sorrowful joy), we are slapped with a sense of harsh realities from Rivz. A
cold wake up is presented as we go from the highs to the lows. And with that,
Rivz concludes; in a warming salute to his Uncle.
Video credits: Jus Rival
The above snipppet captures perfectly the creativity and strongest elements of this record - making genuine music.
No matter his many
years within the scene, Rivz still proves himself - in skill and substance. His
lengthy career in fact makes him greater. Rather than grow stale, he finds new
ways to explain his current truths over a mixing pot of music. He articulates his personal intelligence
and experience very well; allowing us a mere peak into his world and thoughts.
This, in turn, creates songs with substance, true meaning, intrigue and a flowing
story line. From his early years to now, we see his content mature, his
observations widen and his thoughts become more consciously analytical.
"Chat to gal like, Yo hey B / I'm a fresh, young brother / But a mind set of an OAP"
This is an album; a
body of work, not a jumble of tracks. A channelled flow of singles broken briefly by a tongue
and cheek skit, and a pleasant relief/sit-back interlude. As well as a
well-crafted variation of styles and vibes - “Lemon Drizzle” offers soul; “That
Time” offers warmth; “Arya Flow” offers hard-rap; “None Of” offers
mean-mugging; “D.W.Y.W” offers R&B; “Searching Around” offers
contemplation; "None Of" offers grime; "Late Night Drive" offers love. Whilst much other subject matter, in between of what has just been mentioned, is
present in the cracks and crooks of this record.
A seemingly careful decision of track placement makes for a musical ride. Ushered hastily in with
the epic, bold, strong, and demanding sounds of the first few tracks, before
calming the storm with more tender tones and lush timbres. Following, we settle
into a moving, observing and contemplating section, where Rivz picks apart
experiences, feelings and thoughts. As
this ends gently, the following section explodes in celebration, as “Have A
Toast” ushers in smiles, happiness, Rivz' achievements, and dedications to wins.
It’s a 38-minute audio
book of this artist’s life - real, honest, ranging, and thoughtful. Not as Rivz’
life in its entirety, more a snapshot in this moment. He speaks a lot on
change. Potentially being at this middling age of 30 and being in the scene for
so long, this is what jumps out to him. “Nothing Stays The Same” - communities,
grime, music, friends, family, yourself, feelings, ups and downs, goals, the
world.
Rivz Strikes Back II | Smart Link
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Find Jus Rival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more updates.