NaYR Cross
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Readers of this blog will know that hip-hop isn’t a genre I give regular coverage to but last year I was seduced by the hooks and grooves produced by both Haiku and S.E.L.F of Lotus Tribe. As with those artists, I was unfamiliar with Philadelphia artist NaYR (backwards spelling of his real name Ryan) but feel privileged to have listened to this addictive, superbly produced EP.
“When you’re coming from the slums the only right you've got is to die at 21? may not be the most positive message to convey but NaYR’s outlook usually offers some hope. ‘Greatness’ implores us to never stop looking for better days and finale ‘All Things Come To An End’ possesses an uplifting tone.
The choice of samples are inspired. ‘Moral Of The Story’ combines stuttering beats and a film noir loop that recalls Earthling’s sterling ‘Radar’ album from the mid-1990's. ‘God Knows’ employs cut-up soul vocals whereas ‘Exclusive Sh*t’ borrows from what sounds like a Blaxpoitation movie. Meanwhile, ‘Whatever Goes Around’ laments an ex-partner set to the tune of languidly romantic verses and a soulful chorus.
NaYR is relentless in his pursuit for perfect samples and grooves. It’s a quest that sees him at least match his contemporaries for creativity, melodic flow and – of course – “keeping it real”. A twenty-five minute record may be short in hip-hop terms but NaYR uses the time wisely and I can’t fault this EP at all.
Further Listening:
Earthling, Common, Nas - Leonard's Lair
The Prism #1 Most Downloaded
Top 25 Artist
Top Mover - Ourstage via NaYR blog
Featured in April 2008.
Provided photo link of feature. Content no longer searchable. - AOL.com - The Boombox
Discography
Run! by NaYR - (Single; via Internet) - 2010
Strobelight by NaYR ft. MARS - (Single; via Myspace) - 2010
Find My Way by NaYR ft. MARS - (Single; via Youtube) - 2010
The Radicals by Heaven's Finest - (Mixtape EP; as Featured Vocal Performer) - 2010
Soulja's Rise by Saint Soulja - (Mixtape Album; as Featured Artist) - 2009
All Things Come To An End by NaYR - (Single; via Myspace) - 2009
The Prism by NaYR - (EP; Debut Project) - 2008 - 9 Tracks - 25 mins.
God Knows by NaYR - (Single; via Myspace) - 2008
The Prism by NaYR - (Promo Single, Title Track; via Myspace) - 2008
P.O.W. by GNE ft. NaYR - (Single; as Featured Artist) - 2007
Red, White & Blue by GNE ft. NaYR - (Single; as Featured Artist) - 2007
Photos
Bio
Coming from Philadelphia, PA, NaYR began his musical ambitions producing tracks while attending high school in 2003. During his sophomore year of college NaYR began rapping and writing in late 2006, after being encouraged by friend and collaborator Saint Soulja of GNE.
In January 2007, he began writing “The Prism EP” and it was fully recorded completed sometime in Fall 2007. He released three independent internet-only singles “The Prism”, “God Knows” & “All Things Come To An End”. The EP recieved favorable reviews and minor buzz throughout various internet outlets.
The Prism (EP) was Officially Released: September 9th, 2008 in honor of his late-father via free download.
NaYR is currently working on a second EP which will be entitled "BELIEVE" to be released late 2010. "Find My Way" was released as a streaming single for the project via NaYR's Youtube page. As well as preparing an official full-length debut album.
Links
