Soldiers of the Struggle…what a name from a really talented emcee from North Carolina by way of Baltimore, Maryland! For some time now, hip hop appeared to be taking some form of reincarnation, not in the East or West—the usual suspects—but in the Southern parts of the United States. E Breeze is one of the emerging artists from the bevy of North Carolina hotbed of raw talents. For those die-hard lovers of rap music, it’s a fact that much of what the music industry turns out today is a lot of crap. And just when you think you have seen the last of the best; here comes E. Breeze of Soldiers of the Struggle with a 14-track album representing the ongoing and never-ending survival from the struggle in the streets and beyond.
Da Worldwide Struggle – the album that tells a real story.
From the first track, Intro feat Darbinodavillain to the last track, Good Die Young, E. Breeze brings a raw and pictorial look and view of what goes down in the ”mud” that we call our world. The endless struggle and pain that defines the world and everything in it lay bare in the silhouettes of up-tempo beats and solid flows that mingle well with the rapper’s gritty subject matter. The production sits between trap and boom bap rap production. The Intro was perfect as an opening, and the way the second verse kicks off added grit to the eerie-like soulless beats and dope lyrics. Nowhere To Run paints a sad picture of the reality that this world isn’t your friend, and it’s either you make it or die breaking out from its shackles on your own cause there is nowhere to run. This is so real.
Goals intertwine between set targets and achievements, which is only possible if your head is cleared. Around The World, recall the struggle to live free and clean, but it isn’t easy with a system designed to suppress black excellence. We like the psychedelic flow and mid-tempo rhymes that engulf this song from start to finish. Lyrically, it is highly relatable. I Know the track that admits the immense difficulties of making it through in a world full of restraining, demonizing, and dream-killing factors to keep the black people down. Strong and bold lyrics make this track a standout.
On Nubian, Breeze speaks of his choices, his do’s and don’ts yet with dreams raised high while speaking facts about the subject matter. The beat was livelier on Breeze n Originale. The vocals were more daring, outspoken, and tainted with pride and a sense of defiance. Passport Status is the track that touches on money giving you the ability to travel anywhere you want worldwide. The beat was cheerful in the grind, and the overall flow was a solid piece of work. Then comes Expiration Date, one of the best collab tracks on the album. The opening keys drive the tempo to an instant ear-gripping jinx that is reminiscent of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day.” Nobody lives forever are some of the lines that heralded the truth-speaking lyrics which encompass this song. This track was played over and over again. Tales of Da Darkside tells of the inherent political, economic and social control system that elevates one group and degrades another. The lyrics here are pure, revealing, and committed to breaking down the survival against the odds.
The Bottom Line is the kind of track with glaring lyrics that reach the adage that ‘‘the end justifies the means.” Getting the money, getting the credit, and shit getting ugly can be the bottom line of any commitment. That’s real. Zaa delivers a catchy hook tied with energetic vocals. Each verse is satisfactory, and the faint piano on the background beat matches the selective band rhyme with styles that make the burst vocals sound gangsta. You can feel the passion on this one.
Raindrops carry Breeze’s rich lyrics and delivery over the beat. The dark piano interplay and moody laid-back tempo perfectly rock well with the rapper’s lyrics laden with euphemistic personification. Listening to the Good Die Young track is a sad but truth-telling reminder of the reality and finality of death. Yes, ”everyday can be a final day,” Breeze’s dark lyricism on this subject is perfect for an ending track. After all, we will die no matter the level of struggle and achievement we have in this wicked yet wonderful world. This is a great song of remembrance for a loved one that is no longer with us. It is one of the most undeniable tracks on the album.
Overall, Da Worldwide Struggle is relatable in most of the tracks. The production is excellent and lyrically rich with reality-based content. The message was real and relevant to current events. This is what makes E. Breeze, one of the more talented emcees of today. E. Breeze is an emcee that real hip hop fans should be aware of, if they’re not already aware.
Listen to E. Breeze’s album Da Worldwide Struggle on Bandcamp
