A 15 year vet, Noah 23’s newest project (Rock, Paper, Scissors) references the games, toys, and activities of children as a tool not for reflection but progression. His use of phrases, games, and activities from when he was a child is to illustrate how the interactions between people when they young in many ways remain consistent as they grow older. In turn, this connects to his commentary on the many, larger social issues he addresses throughout the album. With the tracks matching the number at the end of his name, Noah has plenty of room to tackle numerous styles from various angles. Noah is strongest when the songs are more somber and the hooks are more memorable (See ‘Tragic Comedy’ and ‘Gothic Cathedral’). Featuring true underground MCs, Rock, Paper, Scissors feels like the result of an inspired cipher between artists hungry for the true romance of hip-hop. Although less tracks might have turned out to be thematically beneficial, the idea that the future has already happened by looking at the activities of the past is as haunting as it is poignant.

RELATED POSTS:

No related posts.