Amsterdam & Goodwill- Earth and Sky

Often times with full length hip-hop albums the content hits a artistic plateau that is insurmountable.  The melodies get repetitive, lyrics lack intrigue, and the project leaves the listener with a sense of disappointment.  That is not the case with "Earth and Sky."  Oregon natives Amsterdam and Goodwill are the perfect MC/Producer combination.  The overall feel of the album is a throwback and homage to raw 90's hip-hop, with lyrical content and production that is forging a new generation.  The beats are simplistic, and not in a pejorative sense, but in a way that the melodic baselines and crafty instrumentals set a dynamic and uplifting feel to the album.  One of the album's  greatest achievements is its relate-ability.  It speaks to everyone.  Tracks like, "Coaster," "Footnote," and "The Beat Goes On" are introspective looks into everyday woes and life's retrospective.  "Dirty Backseat" and "Susie's Dilemma" are edgy "love" songs that touch on the questionable decision making of some modern day females.  The features on the album are strategically implemented to add variety, but not overpowering to the tandems methodical and solid formula.  "Living It Up" and "Style" feature Middle, (Amsterdam's lyrical cohort in their group Top Shelf) which gives the feel good songs depth and the opportunity to authenticate how well the two feed off of each other.  What's so impressive is the fact that "Earth and Sky" doesn't lack in any areas.  It's a complete album not only for true hip-hop heads, but casual listeners alike.  While Amsterdam and Goodwill may not be on the mainstream radar just yet, "Earth and Sky" exhibits their collective talent and potential, and establishes the reality that they both are individual entities that the rap game should get used to, because they're here to stay.


Download "Earth & Sky" at goodwill.bandcamp.com
Follow on Twitter @amsterdamallday
Follow on Twitter @Goodwill85