Wilatoma - Awake

Wilatoma 

Awake
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

The original new album Awake completely produced by Wilatoma has one sole purpose and that is to bring awareness and garner ultimate pride, shutting down the haters in the process. You could call Wilatoma’s music a bit radical or experimental, however the music can really fit into the hip-hop genre with a bit of electronic influences. Wilatoma reminds me of artists like Wax Tailor and Kaytranada because they combine interesting beats with new-age hip-hop style.

The opening track is dark in nature yet lends an enlightening air as the sampled vocals repeat “You gotta wake up eventually,” and begs the question that most of us are still sound asleep. After this intro track, the artist goes on to let loose his rap lyrics and strong beats that “hype” up the mind and break hip-hop conformity in the process.

The track that shares the same name as the album opens up with a smooth gentle melody and then the lyrics come in telling a story about rising above; “Live it up like your last day.” Wilatoma is definitely about the wit; “Bill Haley no comets… Getting green and I’m hulking up… I bet you can’t believe what I’ve came to be.” The next track “I Wanna Live” has a spacey electronic backbeat and Wilatoma then begins to harp on the hardships of the rap game and people doubting him; “All you do is gossip… All you wanna do is be famous huh? Na, I’m just trying to make it out.” This whole song is an anthem for the artist’s love for the craft and the fact that many have and still doubt him to this day, yet he trudges on with his dreams.

A song with a super succulent beat and matching rhymes is “Clone.” The backbeat filters in and out through some electronic effect and the bass keeps the time, which is somewhat slow and mellow yet has depth and keeps your head bobbing. “Early on I’m getting it, this pimping is infinite… when it comes to this art, man this n**** trying to mold... you’re a clone.”

Awake isn’t your typical rap album; it infuses tried and true rap lyrics and puts them on a pleasing landscape of electronic beats. The sound quality is of high worth and anyone into rap or hip-hop will definitely enjoy Awake.

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