Hard-working Baltimore-based rapper/songwriter MC Bravado proceeds to kick off 2024 with his new project Closing Remarks. The 6 track body of work is a collaborative effort between him and producer NYC-based producer Remark and together they deliver a solid effort. Here, MC Bravado sets his sights on cementing his legacy with hard-hitting and insightful bars that leave listeners with something to ponder.
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The project opens up with “Old Man Rivers”, an anthemic track made up of rousing drum breaks, and a moody sound design which forms the perfect backdrop for MC Bravado to paint his thoughts over. Here, he doesn’t hold back and goes for the jugular reminding everyone that he is still holding it down no matter the age, space or time. This is followed by the single “Lebron Poster (Freestyle)” where he acknowledges his flaws and details the corrective steps he is taking to become a better man. Over the haunting backdrop, he is still sharp and witty and gives listeners a nuanced and emotion-filled performance underpinned by groping lyrics like “This isn’t rags to riches, it’s middle class to riches/I am not attached to the skin I am in but I’m aware of my privilege of having both parents” see him explore his modest upbringing while acknowledging the other side of the have-nots. Next is “Benadryl”, a downtempo piece that is peppered with Bravado’s vivid lyricism. Lines like “Morpheus, midi-chlorians ten times Vader/Forcing in, hide your sight like Kylo Ren’s light sabre/part your flesh like paper, gash or shred like Vega, hide a knife inside your flesh ,like pretend, I’ll maim ya” shows how he doesn’t leave anything to chance and each line is cohesive and well-crafted.
Next is the previously released single “Don’t Look Down”. Bolstered by Remark’s cinematic and moody soundscape made up of dark synths, pitched-down vocal samples and punchy drum grooves, MC Bravado reflects on his past relationship and how he moved on. The rapper takes more of an introspective look at it and gives a candid take, acknowledging that the past will forever be behind him and wishing his ex all the best while he forges ahead to something new. The track also comes with a dramatic and eye-popping visual from MC Bravado’s frequent collaborator (Director/Videographer) Mike Jon.
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“Pay To Play” is a go-getter anthem that dives into this modern age of social media frenzy, loyalty and the daily grind of putting out music while dealing the corporate structures and obstacles. The final track “She Was Thirteen” is a heartfelt true story about sexual assault that hits close to home for the emcee. Backed by the sombre and dark backdrop, Bravado pens a gripping tale involving his sister’s assault at the hands of a friend’s older brother. Bravado doesn’t hold back his anger toward the perpetrator and gives him exactly what he deserves plus the biggest payoff is when we learn his sister is doing well and living her life to the fullness. It’s a touchy subject and as MC Bravado put it, it changed his family forever while putting on wax serves as something we all can relate to at least from the perspective that pain never lasts and one can always find strength within it.
Overall Closing Remarks is a cohesive albeit brief body of work that continues MC Bravado’s consistency as an emcee who not only makes singles but projects that resonate deeply with his audience. His level of authenticity, ear for great beats and knack for hard-hitting bars surely puts him on another plateau.
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