Medhane: Full Court Pressing The Music Industry
Get Familiar
Brooklyn-raised artist Medhane has been a constant fixture within NYC's underground scene for the past half decade. Last Friday he dropped his six track EP titled, Sacrifices; entirely produced by frequent collaborator JUNIE. Medhane has always delivered a steady stream of quality music, but it's been this past three project run that has really caught my eye. His last album, Do The Math, was an incredibly deep and reflective body of work that stood above its peers with its cohesive sound and sparing–but stacked–list of collaborators upon its November, 2021 release. Medhane has solidified his signature sound, voicing heavy hearted lyrics that effortlessly coast over classic soul samples. His contributions have played an instrumental role in the rise of the alternative rap sub-genre that’s continued its rapid ascent recently. If you never listened to the talented MC, well then tap in you won’t regret it.
What’s New?
Medhane and JUNIE have been my favorite producer/artist duo in the underground ever since I was introduced to their previously released singles, BET! & ginger. Medhane has received ample praise for his skill behind the mic, but JUNIE’s production is ridiculously overlooked–please give that man his flowers! JUNIE’s production consists of meticulously picked soul samples and delicately swung drums that compliment each other like no other. JUNIE’s beats have such a signature sound to them that you can tell it's him even before you hear his signature tv static producer tag. They are great on their own, but when collaborating they are unstoppable. Their chemistry and energy on each track is unmatched; which is why I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the release of their joint EP, Sacrifices. The concise 13 minute EP has been on repeat for me all week. I wholeheartedly believe this is some of Medane’s best work sonically, and it’s no mistake that JUNIE has had a hand in it. Medhane has voiced that he’s not bothered about playlist or press coverage because he’s genuinely only concerned with the quality of what he releases and it's this authenticity that really shines through in his work. While his last project covered the betrayal he experienced and its effect on him, this release shows a new ‘eyes wide open’ perspective as he creates something special from the ground up on his own.
No Timeouts
A lot has been said about Medhane’s consistent output, and rightfully so. Since 2019, he has dropped 5 stellar projects consisting of a resounding 70 songs; which perfectly encapsulates his full court press work ethic and sheer consistency throughout his stacked discography. Medhane is really applying pressure and the audience has been listening. I was simply blown away by his last 18 track project, Do The Math. Despite the long tracklist the album holds a cohesive sound and truly is an amazing listen from front to back. The album’s subject matter is incredibly personal, diving deep into insecurity, isolation and abandonment, reliving it all through his passionate vocal performance throughout each track. On the song, Spring Cleaning, Medhane remarks, “When it all falls down watch how they vanish,” I truthfully can’t name a peer of his that even puts half as much heart into their records.
To The Final Whistle
His honesty and experiences really bleed through the mic like no other and it's this authenticity that has endeared me to him and his work. In a genre that can get lost in braggadocio at times, Medhane is centered and constantly delivering a hell of a lot of quality. Medhane has remained candidly transparent with the betrayal he’s experienced during this past year or two. Despite it all, he's been persistent with his vision and creative output, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.
Sincerely,
A genuine perspective
