4eva the Pharaoh: Nef the Pharaoh's Reign Continues

Nef the Pharaoh, a charismatic 20-year-old artist hailing from Vallejo, California, has entered the scene with his latest album, "4eva the Pharaoh." In this review, we delve into an exploration of this talented rapper's work, examining how he fits into the unique landscape of San Francisco-area rap artists and the West Coast.

The San Francisco Dilemma:

The Challenge of Achieving National Recognition for San Francisco Hip-Hop Artists
In the world of hip-hop, artists from the San Francisco area face an uphill battle to gain wider acknowledgement. Even the most famous rappers from the region, like Too $hort, E-40, and Mac Dre, have struggled to break free from their local roots. This trend can be disheartening, but it also offers valuable insights. Bay Area musicians often prioritize independence and prolific output over carefully curated album releases, and remain loyal to their regional musical traditions which are resistant to change. Within this tight-knit community, a particular gold standard exists for what a classic hip-hop track should be like, complete with a distinctive handclap snare, Morse code-like kicks, and a thunderous bass groove.

Here's a quick overview of the tracklist:

1. "Theme Music"

2. "Black & Mild"

3. "Furley Goat" (feat. LaRussell)

4. "Secret Place" (feat. Taliband45 & BFB da Packman)

5. "Love It Here"

6. "Princess Peaches"

7. "What We Doin" (feat. Lil Bean & Gritty Lex)

8. "78" (feat. ShooterGang Kony)

9. "On Hold" (feat. E-40)

10. "Lost With You"

11. "FAP"

12. "Stay Around" (feat. ZayBang)

13. "Italy"

14. "SpongeBob"

15. "Titanic"

16. "One in the Air" (feat. Teflon Fonz)

    Production and Sound:

    Nef the Pharaoh's "4eva the Pharaoh" stands out not only for its lyrical content and Nef's versatile delivery but also for the distinctive production and sound choices that create a vibrant musical backdrop. The album boasts a rich and diverse sonic landscape that complements the artist's vocal prowess.

    1. Versatility in Beats: One of the striking features of this album is the variety of beats and instrumentals. Nef and his team have meticulously chosen production that spans a range of styles, reflecting the artist's ability to adapt his flow to different sonic palettes. From the bouncy and club-ready tracks to the introspective and melodic beats, "4eva the Pharaoh" offers a dynamic listening experience.

    2. Southern Influences: As mentioned in a previous section, Nef's incorporation of influences from Southern hip-hop is evident in the production. Elements reminiscent of the turn-of-the-millennium Southern rap scene are woven throughout the album. The use of sing-songy bounces and distinctive rhythm patterns draws inspiration from artists like Juvenile and the Cash Money Records era, adding a unique flavor to the Bay Area sound.

    3. Quality Mixing and Engineering: The album showcases exceptional mixing and engineering. Each track is carefully balanced, ensuring that Nef's vocals are clear and crisp while allowing the instrumentals to shine. This balance is crucial, especially given Nef's multifaceted vocal delivery, which ranges from high-energy, animated rapping to melodic singing. The ability to maintain this balance throughout the album is a testament to the quality of the sound engineering.

    4. Catchy Hooks and Instrumentation: The album's hooks are irresistibly catchy, often accompanied by innovative instrumentations. The producers behind "4eva the Pharaoh" have expertly crafted beats that grab the listener's attention and hold it throughout the duration of each track. Whether it's the head-nodding rhythm or the unexpected instrumental elements, these beats contribute significantly to the album's overall appeal.

    5. Atmospheric Range: "4eva the Pharaoh" succeeds in creating a wide range of atmospheres. Some tracks transport the listener to the club, while others take a more introspective and contemplative approach. Nef's ability to adapt his flow to these different moods is commendable, but the production plays a pivotal role in shaping these atmospheres.

       Standout Tracks:

       1. "Black & Mild" (Track 2): This track sets the tone for the album with its infectious beat and Nef's confident flow. The song captures the essence of Nef's hometown, Vallejo, and serves as a great introduction to his style.

    2. "Secret Place" (Track 4): "Secret Place" stands out for its collaboration with Taliband45 and BFB da Packman. The track combines witty lyrics, energetic delivery, and an engaging beat, making it a memorable part of the album.

    3. "Love It Here" (Track 5): "Love It Here" is a tribute to the Bay Area, and it's impossible not to get caught up in the artist's enthusiasm for his home. The track's vibrant energy and Nef's love for his roots make it a standout.

    4. "On Hold" (Track 9): Collaborating with the legendary E-40, Nef the Pharaoh shines in "On Hold." The chemistry between the two artists is palpable, and the track's production is a nod to classic West Coast hip-hop.

    5. "SpongeBob" (Track 14): "SpongeBob" takes a playful yet engaging approach, with Nef showcasing his ability to switch between different styles and tones effortlessly. The track's humorous lyrics and catchy beat make it a standout moment on the album.

    6. "One in the Air" (Track 16): Closing the album with "One in the Air," Nef the Pharaoh demonstrates his versatility and storytelling prowess. The song offers a reflective and introspective side of the artist, providing a balanced conclusion to the project.

    Nef the Pharaoh's Role:

Nef the Pharaoh, a rising star in the Bay Area rap scene, wholeheartedly embraces these prevailing characteristics. He's gained momentum through his creative reinventions of classic beats, notably exemplified in his swag-infused twist on Nas' "Oochie Wally." Additionally, he's garnered acclaim for crafting neighborhood pride anthems, with "Bitch I'm From Vallejo" from last year serving as a standout example. This track captured the attention of local luminary Cousin Fik and his mentor, labelhead E-40, further solidifying Nef's presence in the Bay Area rap scene.

A Surprising Twist:

Nef's debut release on E-40's Sick Wid It Records is not without stylistic references and nods to his musical influences, but intriguingly, many of these references extend far beyond the boundaries of San Francisco. Notably, quotes from classic '90s Cash Money Records singles structured his January single, "Big Tymin’," leaving an indelible mark on the entire EP. The influence of this Southern hip-hop music is unmistakable, and it plays a substantial role throughout the album. "Boss Me" rides a sing-songy bounce cadence, while Nef masterfully incorporates Juvenile's "Ha" line construction into his Auto-Tune-infused twerking anthem, "Meantime." Nef's approach aligns with a trend in post-hyphy rap that leans toward the turn-of-the-millennium Southern sound. He's not alone in this movement; his tourmate and collaborator, Kool John, regularly channels the flows of the Hot Boys, and Nef's Los Angeles affiliate, Problem, has made notable interpolations of Master P and Young Bleed. Even Juvenile himself joined the popular remix of fellow HBK artist Iamsu!'s strip club banger, "100 Grand."

Nef's Versatility:

Where Kool John seems to favor the roles of Juvenile or Mannie Fresh in his music, Nef the Pharaoh leans more toward Lil Wayne. Just when the resemblance becomes uncanny, Nef effortlessly shifts personas with overtly comedic and lightly ironic timing, akin to a master prankster executing an elaborate series of tricks. His verses, characterized by in-and-out-of-phase, cartoonish rambling reminiscent of his mentor E-40, flow seamlessly into a lilting but controlled double-time delivery. Nef's voice toggles between a simpering bad boy persona in his high vocal range, an intimidating low growl, and a diplomatic, Drake-inspired midrange, as seen in the introspective closer, "Come Pick Me Up." This dynamic versatility infuses his verses with a character-driven quality reminiscent of Jim Carrey, and yet, it never becomes overwhelming. Nef the Pharaoh effortlessly embodies the obnoxious neighborhood bully, the slickest wordsmith in town, and a caring father all within a single track, all while complementing, rather than overshadowing, the beats he rides.

Conclusion:

In "4eva the Pharaoh," Nef the Pharaoh offers a unique and dynamic addition to the ever-evolving landscape of Bay Area rap. His ability to incorporate influences from outside San Francisco while preserving the region's signature sound showcases his versatility as an artist. With his captivating and multifaceted lyrical approach, Nef stands as a promising talent, ready to contribute to the future of West Coast hip-hop. This album represents not just his growth but also the evolution of a distinct musical tradition in the Bay Area, ensuring that the Pharaoh's reign continues to thrive.