One of my most highly anticipated projects of this year was “Strange Noize” by Heyeyella. After hearing his past projects, singles as well as features on the St.Pete Hip Hop classic “Sky Zhone” from Zhudaru1963 and song of the contender “Stick Up Kids” that Yella dropped earlier this year. The time has finally come, turn on your radios and get ready, “Energy, Frequency, Message!”
The project begins with the intro, a staticky signal than transports you to a different world, welcome to “Strange Noize”.
I love the groovy vibes on “Piece Of Mind”. The hook is one of my favorites on the project, reminiscent to other southern hip hop classic records. Really solid way to start off the project.
The static returns transitioning into my favorite track on the project “Goat Cheese”. Being teased in several videos leading up I was so ready to hear this joint in full, I even showed my co workers the video and song and got them singing that shit with me. ABR killed that jazzy beat. Heyeyellas flow on the first verse is next level, switching from double time to reg speed. Anytime Zhudaru1963 jumps on a track he always comes correct, adding gravitas to the track. This one a Zhu classic foreal.
“Sky Is Falling” feels like some end of the movie type shit. It was dope how Yella seamlessly goes into the hook of the song, making it still feel like it’s a continuation of the verse. One of my favorite beats off the project.
Another stand out track for me has got to be “Birds Eye View”. I chant the hell out of this hook all the time. The beat progression on this one is crazy, with sounds constantly being added throughout the track. My favorite part of the track is how methodic Yella comes in on the second verse, he snaps foreal. This needs to be the next video.
“Occult Studies” transports you to another world. The old school video game sounding vibes to the beat as well as Yellas, lyrics dealing with magic bring the track together. I would highly recommend checking out the video for this joint, Yella always kills his visuals.
I am a big fan of projects that only have a few features on them, allowing the artist to shine on his own. But whenever a feature does pop up it makes them more memorable and have more of an impact on the project. The chill vibes on “Pareidolia X Godz Face” featuring ABR & Rishi Beats comes in at the perfect time. It’s always dope to hear Rishi on a track, and it’s only right to let ABR do his thing as well.
“Step” gets things jumping. This joint isn’t something you would except coming from Heyeyella but it was definitely a pleasant surprise. It would be dope to see a video of this one with everyone from the Zhu and a few other special guests doing the dance.
The vibes on “HeyCoSiz” is almost on some Neo Soul type shit. I can’t wait to hear this one live. Songs like this put you on good vibes, even when you are having the worst day.
“Divine Symmetry” is for all the real Hip Hop fans. Bars on bars, Yella kills the beat, spreading hood vibes and fighting demons. This track is a reminder to watch out for the opps, cause they always watching you.
“Way Too Legit” paints the picture of everyday life in sunny St.Pete. The beat matches the sunny vibe while Yellas lyrics match the gritty aspect of life in the burg.
The strings on “Wonderland” are a jam for sure, especially when the piano kicks in. One of my favorite line on the project is “visualizing them victories, ain’t made it yet but my mind ready”. The message is strong on this one. Great way to end an amazing project
“Strange Noize” lived up to and exceeded expectations. Since it dropped the project had been in heavy rotation. I am so hype to hear some of these joints if not the whole project live, as well as get more of the vibes from the visuals that will be dropping in the future. Shout out to Yella and the entire Zhu for dropping a dope project the city can be proud of. ENERGY, FREQUENCY, MESSAGE.