T-Dot/B-Town emcee, producer, singer, audio engineer RELIC has just dropped his new album, Miles to Go, and after a few listens I can confidently say this is a thoroughly solid album. Stay tuned for a more in-depth review, but for now listen to the album and if you're feeling it, cop it - you can tell just by listening that a ton of hard work has gone into this project.
RELIC Raises The Bar With Self Made New Release
If being a "Triple threat" is an ace in the hole for most performers, then RELIC aka Rel McCoy is about to show the world how dangerous he really is. The Toronto based hip-hop guru can list Emcee, DJ, Producer, Engineer and Singer to his credits, all of which he showcases on his latest album Miles To Go. It's an undertaking few can pull off, let alone take credit for, but the evidence of his ability to combine these talents with a deft touch can be heard in spades on this stunning release that combines old-school melodies and intense rhymes with breakneck speed.
A Juno Award producer listed on Shad's winning album, RELIC is making a name for himself as the total package in Canadian hip-hop. Out on September 11th, Miles To Go is a full length he opted to (get ready for it) write, record, produce and mix entirely on his own. The result is an album where nothing sounds calculated or forced; there's a natural attention to rhythm that allows tracks like the funk-influenced "Out of the Blue" or the inspired and courageous "Action Figure" (in which he gives props to Steve Nash) to adapt to every situation.
"What I like most about his style is that his approach to production and rapping is always true to the essence of hip hop but still inventive in subtle and surprising ways, and above that, his content is sincere and relatable." - SHAD
This is not hip-hop with an edge just for the sake of having an edge. It's RELIC recounting the stories of his life which brought him to where he is today. The opening 1-2 punch of "Gone Clear" and "Nobody Like You" showcase how easily his introspective lyrics can be related to by all fans of hip-hop. They're stories for all to hear, enjoy and bring forth their own perspective.
Though RELIC did manage to create Miles To Go on his own, he wasn't too proud to allow his friends into the studio and put their touches on the album. He invited the aforementioned Shad along with Ghettosocks in for "Down and Dirty," Brotha Soul for "The Extra Mile" and Mr. J. Medeiros on "The Valley." This was an important move as he sought to maintain the personal relationships he has with these artists.
Miles To Go features an honest and soulful approach where RELIC embodies the bold and vulnerable spirit of hip-hop culture.
For music and more info visit: www.relmccoy.com
Stream Miles To Go here: www.soundcloud.com/rel-mccoy
Live dates here:
September 6th - Hamilton, ON - The Casbah
September 12th - Toronto, ON - The Rivoli
September 20th - Winnipeg, MB - VP Nights
September 25th - Edmonton, AB - Crown Pub
September 26th - Jasper, BC - The Horseshoe Nightclub
September 28th - Missoula, MT - The Badlander
September 30th - Seattle, WA - Nectar Lounge
October 4th - Kelowna, BC - The Grateful Fed Pub
October 5th - Vancouver, BC - The Facility
October 6th - Vancouver, BC - The Media Club
October 7th - Banff, AB - Brewster's Mountain Lodge
