Soncier has been active in the music scene for a minute. In college, I remember hearing his stuff on the Playlist The DMV mixtapes Arteest put together. When Soncier hit my inbox with his latest project, Noa or Neva, I was like “alright bet. I’m gonna enjoy this.” Why? Well, nostalgia is a powerful thing–but dope music lasts forever.

The “Hero of Hip-Hop” is hungry on this one, utilizing a mix of multiple styles. On the intro, he seems to challenge himself to take over several genres–R&B, rap, and others. We’re taken through a time machine of sorts. Most of the project feels straight out of the 90s and 2000s. However, it’s still fresh to the point it doesn’t feel dated. “Street Smarts,” for instance, has that Mobb Deep meets Lupe type of feel–smooth boombap with a story about parts of life not discussed school (at least usually not by the teachers).

The project sets up further progression and more Soncier music. Count me in as one of the people tuned in to further development due to his “realizaycion.” Check out the project below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.