The Melody Mention: DJ Skee Presents Rich Cole’s “The Rich Tape”
For decades, hip-hop music in the Bay Area has coasted through mainstream thanks to heavy-hitting veterans such as Too $hort and E-40. However, when people think of rappers who hail from Northern California, those veterans are typically the only two that come to mind due to the Bay’s lack of a huge music infrastructure. Luckily, in recent years there has been a new generation of artists who represent the thriving hip-hop culture such as IAMSU, G-Eazy, and independent artists. That’s where an artist such as Rich Cole comes into play. His debut album The Rich Tape blends his Richmond, California roots with dynamic production to ensure a variety of musical tastes from party anthems to life lessons.
The 24-track set includes songs penned from producers such as Jake One, The ABiatorz, and Bobby Ozuna, with features from Tory Lanez, B-Legit, and Too $hort. Before I get into the tracks that stand out the most, the intro is what sets Cole apart as an artist. Many artists who release mixtapes have someone to present it, however The Rich Tape is a full-length album presented by DJ Skee, one of the most renowned figures in the music industry. To have an individual of that caliber push your music, gives Cole an edge because hip-hop heads are intrigued to familiarize themselves with new artists. Skee opens the album with an intro statement about how the West Coast has a new class of artists, who embody independence and create their own movements. Being an independent artist is not always the easiest journey to embark on, but Cole undeniably shows how you can control your own success and make your mark. The Rich Tape is infused with hip-hop, soul, and a little Bay Area swag that will give you a deeper look into who Cole is as an artist.
Here’s the Melody Mention of standout tracks:
If you’re someone who believes in having a good time and ready for a turn-up at any given notice, then the album’s single “Lit N’ Loaded” featuring B-Legit is the song for you. Whether you’re playing this song as you’re getting ready to go to the club, on your way to the club, or on the dance floor at the club, it’s safe to say this is the Cali version of “Turn Down for What.”
Cole brings a ‘90s hip-hop vibe on “Cole*Dest Hustle,” one of my favorite tracks on the album because it’s all about ambition. He’s a man who’s about his money, but he works hard to get where he’s at. If you want to be successful and make it to the top, you have to possess a hustle mentality.
He transitions well between his cold hustle to tell more about his background on “This Train Don’t Stop.” He tells his story about the sacrifices he’s made along the way to make his dreams come true. Anyone with a dream is going to face obstacles along the way, but Cole stresses how there is no such thing as an overnight success. He continues his inspirational messages on “Don’t Be Good, Be Great.” Find your niche that will make you stand out from the rest, sooner or later people will recognize your greatness.
“Sign You” brings an R&B twist with a mellower vibe. If you were a fan of Pretty Ricky or older Ace Hood rap-sung collaborations, then add this song to your playlist. The rapper’s clever comparison of someone signing a music or sports contract to a woman who should sign with him if she wants to win, shows his witty creativity. Fred Nice shares his vocals on the hook singing, “Baby I just got a deal for you/Got something real for you/Want to change your life because I feel for you.” Cole shows how much he recognizes a woman’s worth, a sure sign that would make any woman sign on the dotted line.
“Cadillac Music” is more self-explanatory. It’s that type of song you play riding around in a drop top Cadillac on the streets of Oakland or South Central LA. Fellow Bay Area native Too $hort joins forces with Cole on the track, doing what he does best, spitting dirty rhymes over a sick beat. Everybody loves hearing the legendary Too $hort on a track and it’s always refreshing to hear rappers collaborate and support one another.
“Mother More Fatherless” is a deep-rooted track showing Cole’s slight vulnerable side as he talks about the relationship with his absent father. Although his father left when he was young, his mother raised him into the strong man he is today. A song that many people who grew up in single-parent homes can relate to, as they are left with questions unanswered. “I want to know do you feel regret/Was your son just too much to be bothered with/So much you left him fatherless.”
“From Day One” is not a full-length song, but an interlude with an insightful message. Cole is proud to represent his hometown of Richmond, in spite of the bad reputation the city has gained. He’s a big dreamer who strives for wanting more, “When you step out of your comfort zone and start seeing the rest of the world, that’s when you become powerful.”
So what’s the melody behind Cole’s album? A solid and motivational piece of work from an artist doing things his own way. As he continues to build his fan base and engage with his nearly 200K Twitter followers, he’s well on his way to putting his stamp on the industry. For all things Rich Cole, please visit www.iamrichcole.com and you can stream the album here https://soundcloud.com/
