Green Enkd Society – Infamous Wizzardry (Album Review)

Today’s review features the new album Infamous Wizzardry by the Green Enkd Society. Strange name for an artist, you say? What is “Enkd”?

Green Enkd Society is a boundary-pushing hip-hop collective “known for fusing esoteric themes, raw lyrics, and revolutionary sound design.” Their name “Enkd reflects a state of being encoded with purpose—each lyric, each beat, layered with hidden meaning and intent.” They describe their lyrics as “diving into metaphysical topics or dissecting societal systems.”

The group likes to say their music “challenges the mind while moving the crowd,” with songs rooted in “mysticism, knowledge, and the culture of resistance.”

Green Enkd Society is the creation of a core of visionary artists and producers who say their music “exists at the intersection of ancient wisdom and future-forward hip-hop.” Their music draws from “boom-bap traditions, soul samples, jazz textures, and otherworldly synths wrapped around potent bars that speak truth to power.”

So let’s have a listen …

Being a commercial radio DJ, the first thing I notice is that literally every song is explicit. Which, as a fan, can be cool, but kills any chance of radio airplay, which is how artists build a following and a fan base for touring. My suggestion, if possible, is to follow up this release with clean versions.

Ok, let’s have a listen. The album kicks off with GUN POWER & SUN FLOWERS. Slammin’ Trump Tower in the beginning of the song, ok, gettin’ real. The track may be repeating samples. I like both the rap vocalists, some nice rhymes and flow. Lots of the N-word in this song, as expected.

STILL MOE is the second track on the album. “The burned bridges took a toll on me.” I’m digging the lyrical flow in this song, floating above the track. “Bitch, you’re still M..O, E.” A good song about torching relationships. Solid.

The third song is OYSTER PERPETUAL FLOW. As the second rapper says when he starts his flow. I like the way his voice dances above the track. A really strange track to rap over, sounds like it’s from a horror movie. Nice sound effects added to the track.

LUCIANO PAVAROTTI – Very nice sax solo in this song, although it is on repeat, sounds fine, but gets a little repetitive. “Pavarotti over dinner dates.” “Superstars at Center Stage.” Not sure what all the putting down other rappers is about, I guess it’s part of the genre to throw down, given how hip-hop started from free rhyme challenges on the streets.

THE INCREDIBLE sounds like the start of a horror movie, this track anyway. It’s already repeating an annoying horror movie very short loop shortly into the song, not a good sign. “Even on my worst day, I’m still better than you.” There is something to be said for having confidence in yourself against the rest of the world. “All my in-laws is outlaws.”

LEATHERFACE & VORHEES – another old movie type track. I like the “psychopathic, syncopated” rhyme. “If you ain’t get it, I got it.” “New York State of mind.” “Greatness is a pastime.” Very strange beginning and ending to this song with a very ethereal female voice peppering the track.

INFAMOUS starts with a piano vamp and an effected voice. “I be high off medication”, “blind with dedication.” Name checking Biggie Smalls. I’m digging the rhymes and flow in this song. The background track has a female voice singing oohs and ahs.

FLAWLESS VICTORY starts with another movie-type track, but this one has a kicking drum beat, which changes the flow of the rhymes. “I give all my energy to my inner peace.” “I can’t find a fuck to give.” Me either.

TABERNACLE has a slow jazz feel with a fast rap flow. It’s a nice mix of sounds against the slow tempo. The song appears to be about death.

THE DREAM CAR. “I invested in myself and got myself out of poverty.” “When times got harder, we worked smarter.” Another strange movie-type soundtrack. Etherial keyboard sounds dance blithely under the flows.

CHAMPIONSHIPS sounds like a game-show theme song track. Then the rapper’s flow starts, hitting the musical signposts. “Diamond rings and championships.” A song about winning championships and their MVPs.

FOR THE CHILDREN, the last song on the album. “Green acres for the children.” These two rappers have different styles – one fast, one slower. “Can’t let ‘em lock me, won’t stop” – I like the vocal effect on this line. “I feel no feelings, yet I’m feeling great.” Some nice lyric rhymes in this song.

SCORE/Excellent: Green Enkd Society delivers some excellent flows on their new album “Infamous Wizzardry”. Full of interesting musical soundtracks that could be drawn straight out of a movie. Some jazz, some very eclectic, even sax solos. Very impressive piece of work. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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