Through five tracks, MRTY makes it known that listeners will have him around for a long time if they want him. The project itself is a smooth blend between boombap hip-hop, contemporary R&B vibes and sounds that make you bob your head and agree with the bars. I initially got introduced to this one through “Late Night Shenanigans” via SubmitHub. That track is one that, well, features MRTY discussing getting into some things with a special someone. From there, I said “okay, this sounds fire; let me check the rest of the project out.”

I am so glad that I did that. That’s because the EP doesn’t overstay its welcome, nor does it leave you thirsty for more. What I mean is that it serves as a great introduction, but also serves as something to tide us over (shameless plug alert) until MRTY comes out with another project, possibly a long-form LP. You can run through this one in a half-hour sitting, but you’ll want to revisit it quite a few times. MRTY has a lot of influences on this one; blink and you’ll miss an homage to a great that’s done in a way that’s not pandering. Additionally, the collection delves into mental health, love, Blackness and a lot of other topics you’d be a bit surprised to hear about on a 17-minute EP. If I had to compare him to a bigger artist, I’d probably say he’s a mix between Big KRIT and Kendrick, in that he knows to make soulful hip-hop with a purpose.

All in all, this is a helluva project, one that’ll leave you saying “damn, I need more.” Check it out above and support dope music in all its forms.