MUSIC REVIEW: Mello Music Group – Persona (compilation album)

Mello Music Group is becoming an independent powerhouse. Like Rawkus and Fondle ‘Em did before, the label is focusing on the quality of music. Yet, they also allow for the freedom of expression for their artists. Enriched in grassroots promotion and vinyl releases, Mello Music Group have old school values. In short, Mello Music Group has become an underground label serving the niche market that looks for that “throwback boom bap” with new school enhancements.

Persona is that compilation that they released to capitalize off of their hard work. Matching different rhyme masters with different producers, finding cohesion may become a hurdle to clear. While it is a compilation, it can’t sound like a total mess. Thus, there is a concern for how everything comes together.

14 hours later, I finally realized that this compilation is just great all around.

What is reassuring about this compilation is that the production is nothing short of dope.  With Nottz, L’Orange, Oddissee, Apollo Brown, Blockhead, Exile, Tall Black Guy, and Quelle Chris producing, Persona gathered some of the best the underground has to offer. Notably, none of them dissapointed. L’Orange’s use of old school samples on “Sometimes I Feel” and “Cirlces Around Circles” finds a way to fit with the sonically soulful Apollo Brown chops (“No Future,” “Troubles,”and “PNT”). And the rest of the album fits into this fold. In the end, the production works because everything fits together.

It needs to be mentioned that the emcees did not cut any slack. The anti-political “PNT” allows Ras Kass to poke holes into the shield of Obama’s legacy. Gift of Gab, the surprise addition, takes us back into his Blackalicious flow with “Circles Around Circles”. Yet, Open Mike Eagle wins compilation MVP with “Celebrity Reduction Prayer” and “Dark Comedy Late Show”. Each emcee did what they regularly do: spit impressive rhymes that helped them garner their fan bases.

Like Soundbombing off of Rawkus, Persona is successful off a formula of great production and impressive emceeing. Each song either evoked feelings or brought ideas/beliefs to the table. This led to songs that inspired both thought and head nods. As a composition, Persona achieves all of its goals. Now, all there is left is the waiting appreciation to gather from the fans of hip hop past and present.

Follow them on social media @MelloMusicGroup !