VICE "Back 2 da Essence" (full album) 🎤 Rap Nerd Reviews

Derek Moore
8 hours ago
4 min read

VICE, one half of the duo Chain Brothas alongside LINX, steps forward with an 18-track solo statement titled Back 2 da Essence. From the jump, the title sets expectations. This isn’t a trendy chase for algorithms. It’s a declaration. Boom bap influence, lyrical integrity, and a clear desire to bring the pendulum back toward foundational hip hop.

Overall, the project is solid. There are ups and downs, and trimming about five tracks would have made it tighter and more focused. But the production is consistently strong, and VICE never gets washed on his own record, even when sharing space with high calibur features. That matters!

Sound & Production

The production across this album is one of its biggest strengths. Multiple producers contribute, but the boom bap backbone keeps things grounded. Hard snares, scratches, dusty drums, and soulful textures dominate much of the project.

There are a few modern-leaning moments like “Rev It Up,” which show versatility, but the heart of this album clearly lives in traditional hip hop energy. At times, some tracks feel slightly underdeveloped or short, and a few could have been cut for cohesion. Still, the beats overall land strong.

Lyrical Content & Delivery

VICE is clearly rapping with intention. He leans into conscious reflections, hip hop nostalgia, family values, and growth. Lines like:

“Finally the pendulum swinging back to our side”“Dig deep in the abyss for verbs and adjectives”“You’re a small atom in an ocean of matter”

There’s thought behind the pen.

Where the album dips slightly is in flow variation. On some tracks like “Spellbound” and “Jibarito,” the cadence feels a bit basic or slow. The storytelling attempt on “Jibarito” is appreciated, but could have benefited from more dynamic flow switches. Delivery sits at a 7 because while solid, it doesn’t always elevate the writing to the next tier.

Track by Track Highlights

1. Back to da Essence

Strong mission statement. He makes it clear this isn’t for everyone. It’s about bringing boom bap back. A confident opener.

2. How U Like Me Now

Aggressive boom bap anthem energy. “It’s the sound of the underground that stands out” hits. Feels like a statement record.

3. Jibarito

Storytelling track. The narrative is solid, but the cadence feels basic. Still respect the attempt because storytelling is a core emcee skill.

4. Everlasting

One of the stronger lyrical moments. Passionate delivery. Bars like “How can I be irrelevant when things I said are happening/ resurrect like lazerus, no way to rattle this” stand out. High energy, meaningful content.

5. From Da Soul

Laid back and smooth. Good hook. VICE sets the tone well and the feature work complements the vibe.

6. Rev It Up

More modern sounding. The cadence pocket is dope, but the hook vocals feel slightly rushed against the beat. A minor post-production adjustment could’ve cleaned that up.

7. Wut U Got From Dis (Skit)

Solid message. The uncle’s life lesson gets ignored. He tells a meaning story, and the kid's only retain the part when he says he made more money than his teachers. Commentary on misplaced priorities. Adds concept value.

8. Lil Heathen

Great chemistry between VICE and LINX. Steel sharpens steel. LINX arguably edges this one slightly, but the energy is there. The choir textures hit.

9. Bad Ma

Relatable subject matter, but feels somewhat out of place within the album’s broader theme.

10. Matter

Conscious and reflective. Encourages valuing loved ones and staying grounded. Thoughtful messaging.

11. Beautiful Mess

Standout. Love this beat. The metaphor of flowers growing through concrete is powerful. Rap and family keeping him grounded adds depth.

12. Chain Reaction

Another standout. Hard beat. Back and forth chemistry between VICE and LINX is strong. Feels like a true duo showcase.

13. For Posterity

Aggressive delivery. Strong beat. Could’ve used another verse to fully develop the energy.

14. Forgive Me

Vulnerable subject matter. The hook doesn’t fully land, but the emotional honesty is respected.

15. Nor’easter

Big standout. Scratches are ill. That snare knocks. The 93 hip hop nostalgia angle works perfectly. Everyone delivers.

16. Spellbound

Beat is solid, but the flow drags a bit. One of the tracks that could have been cut for tighter cohesion.

17. Panoramic Rap

Cool concept. Nice bounce. Feels short. Another verse would’ve elevated it.

18. Emerald (Mother’s Psalm)

Beautiful closer. One of the best moments on the album. The beat is sweet and heartfelt. Lines about missing his mom’s rice and beans and her brutal honesty hit emotionally. A strong and personal way to end the project.

Final Thoughts

Back 2 da Essence is a solid body of work. It delivers strong production, respectable lyricism, and moments of genuine emotional depth. While trimming a handful of tracks would improve cohesion and replay value, the highlights are real and meaningful.

VICE proves he can hold his own, especially on feature-heavy records. The boom bap foundation is authentic, and when the flow tightens up and the hooks fully connect, he’s at his strongest.