XV is an exceptionally talented artist that has grown with each, and every release. Over the past five years XV has blessed fans with some incredible albums which include The Answer, & Overture (also reviewed by us). Never disappointing fans, Complex is no exception. XV dazzles fans with fourteen of the best tracks that will surely put fans on life support from non stopping, heart pounding intensity. There’s nothing complex about the decision to get both hands on this release as soon as possible.
Through five years of hard work, and dedication XV has proven that extremely talented artists can continue to grow. XV’s music has become deeper and even more penetrating since the release of The Answer, and Overture (two outstanding previously released albums by XV). XV hails from Kansas, where he has won over local fans via his immeasurable talent. The songs featured on Complex are by design made to introduce fans to the more complex side of XV. Contrary to hustling, ghetto life, and perils of street life, Complex is the medicine being injected, introspected, and reflected. Through perseverance XV has paid his dues, and established himself as an elite artist in the industry.
Complex reaches a massive audience with bouncy rhymes, and cinematic, emotion packed, club type beats. The unusual sounds meshed together in some of the beats are extremely creative, and captivating. They nourish the songs with a unique feel, and vibe that is never dull. The lyrics are equally as captivating as each word pierces sharply. The rhymes overall are extremely well written, and delivered. XV’s flow is unmatched, and purely entertaining. XV does a fantastic job at intertwining realism inside his songs, giving fans an element that they can relate to. There is power in the message, and XV ensures that its felt with each word, phrase, and rhyme laid. Complex definitely reaches out to a broad audience of fans that simply crave strong, fresh, entertaining hip hop flavor enhanced music. XV is witty, energetic, well articulated, smooth, intense, and live on the microphone. That’s more than enough reasons for even the most resistant fan to grab this release.
Out of the fourteen tracks featured on Complex, all are exceptional. There is not one sub-par track on the album. Each song is single worthy, and should be played in heavy rotation. Having said that, there are always songs you need to point out as extra special. On Complex those songs include “If U Were Here” featuring “Nisha”, “It’s Alright”, “Seduce U”, and “Get Me High”. The beat behind “If U Were Here” is incredibly appealing. The lyrics are well laid, and full of emotion. “Nisha” provides the extra spice to kick the flavor up a notch. “Nisha’s” voice is real nice. “It’s Alright” is another powerful song that is uniquely it’s own, but it reminds fans of something Tupac would have released. The beat is extra nice, and the lyrics strike hard with impact. The track is extremely inspiration, and positive which is purely refreshing. “Seduce U” is a super sexy song that has the club vibe written all over it. If there was a poll held for the perfect song to play in a club, this would easily win the prize. XV heats it up, and definitely gets fans open. “Get Me High” delivers an up beat flavor that is sure to dazzle fans effortlessly. If critics were to critique any song on the album, they may argue that “Runnin”, although still an amazing track, would trail the pack as the least appreciated track featured on the album. It would be an extremely hard sell, considering each and every song is powerful, exceptional, and well deserving of continuous play.
The production on the album is outstanding. XV handles the large majority of the production himself; however, other contributors include M1, Brainstorm, Slantize, K-Natural, and iNkredible. All of these artists deserve a huge amount of respect, and recognition for there talent. Vocal contributors include Nisha, Reena Lynn, Bling, John Blaze, and Kashea Coleman. All of these artists contribute positively to the overall album. Some of the funky, catchy, and refreshing sounds are provided by iNkredible, and M1. The bongo, keyboard, and electric guitar sounds are stunning.
XV continues to make noise with Complex. Fans need to keep both eyes pealed for this release as it commands undivided listening attention. XV is extremely talented, and Complex is an extremely powerful, emotion charged, intense, fun, creative, captivating, and fresh release. There are no disappointments. Complex is mandatory listening.
Track Listing:
1. If U Were Here ft. Nisha
2. Dream Killers
3. Well, Hello (interlude)
4. It’s Alright
5. Seduce U
6. Other Side Of Town ft. Bling
7. Stare & Whisper
8. Get Me High
9. Strange
10. Bulletproof
11. Energy
12. Phenomenal Thing
13. Invincible
14. Runnin
