I: The Arrow by Andy Mineo
- curated by autumn
- Jun 8, 2018
- 4 min read
Artist: Andy Mineo
Album: I: The Arrow
Genre: Hip-Hop
Released: 2018
Andy Mineo is an MC that I have been newly introduced to. I can honestly say that I am grateful for this because he is someone who is so refreshing for Hip-Hop. In my opinion, Rap is in a good place due to the many artists that stay true to the art form, and if you're a real Rap fan then you know who I am talking about. Mineo just reiterates the faith for our beautiful genre, and I: The Arrow solidifies his talent, message, and humility. I love and crave music that I can relate to, so here we are with another artist to inspire and comfort us throughout the journey called life.
First of all, I did not know what to expect. I put on the first track titled "I've Been", and I was immediately entranced in its slow, R&B groove. That "I've been lost" in the beginning is everything! It’s one of those songs you snap your fingers to and sway side to side with your eyes closed while feeling his lyrics. Beautiful imagery is laced throughout this song illustrating the process one's mind goes through when the glass is empty.
The next track, “Clarity”, is just dope. Lyricism, beat changes, fierce flow, and random voice recordings lead to a song I will love! Although this track has many elements that I love, I really appreciate the part on the hook where he says “all my heroes are frauds just like me.” I just love this statement despite a deep analysis of his lyrics. It just stands out like a sore thumb. Shout out to whoever produced this one too because it will get people hype. Positive/Lyrical Rap music doesn’t have to be boring, and Andy proves that.
“Family Photo” is just sad but so realistic. Andy’s father has been absent throughout his childhood, and he was nonexistent on this man’s wedding. Although he was warned that his dad would not show up, he remained hopeful, and ultimately was let down by the end of the night. He even kept two plates of food for him!! Andy is left wondering what he did wrong as a son for his father to not show up on one of the most important days of his life. It is brutally sad, but I appreciate his vulnerability. The song will speak to anyone with inconsistent parents. The overall theme of this song is illustrating how we force ourselves to smile even when we are in pain and how repressing our emotions only leads to them coming back stronger in the future. We learn to “smile for the family photo” even when special members are not there. What really makes this song so captivating is the prayer at the end of the song. He says, “God please give me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change and the courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” Woo! If that is not real then I don’t know what is.
Now to my favorite song on here, “Anxiety”. It is actually more of an interlude since it is so short and leads into the next record, but it is my favorite because the lyrics speaks to me on a personal level and I love the minimalist beat, and the moment he has with his fans at the end of it. I almost cried when Weatherman sung, “your voice is SO LOUD! Nobody hears that voice but me.” The description of anxiety with this lyric is just so refreshing and honest because no one can possibly hear the hundreds of negative thoughts fleeing in your head driving you crazier by the second, and it is quite frustrating. Thank you Weatherman, whoever you are.
DEATH TO MY DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY! “I Ain’t Done” is a mantra. It encompasses the fearless manifestation of the will to live. This is the song where he reminds himself of his greatness and uniqueness. He returns to his spark and passion that started his rap career. He did not embark on this journey for the approval of other people; he simply did this for himself, and I think it is wonderful to remember this. He name dropped Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle and Kanye West too because he recognizes the never ending pressure that celebrities and artists are under when living under a microscope that inevitably provides so much judgement from naysayers. Oh, and the beat is fuego!!
The EP ends with “Lost”, a continuation of the intro track which was so clever by the way. I love absolutely every part of this song. It is one of those feel good tracks to blast in your house just to bring some positivity into your atmosphere. The gospel singing is a very nice touch. His story on getting above the clouds in an airplane tickled me because I had similar experience when I was on a plane flying through the clouds and fog. Outside my window was completely white which I thought was amazing, but then the pilot flew higher so that the plane was above those clouds. Now, for some reason I was amazed by the fact that the sun along with the beautiful blue sky was still there. It is a brilliant analogy that reminds us that the cloudy and painful moments are temporary because the sun will be here the entire time. Shout out to whoever mixed, mastered, and produced this project because it is flawless!
Support the artist: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-the-arrow-ep/1375275223
Quotables: “I don’t think I lost my mind, I think I made it. I don’t think I lost my faith, I think I misplaced it.” “You either cry or you try to learn to laugh.’’ “I don’t need opinion, no I did this for myself” “Rather die trying than to live like quitter”
"Clarity"
"Family Photo"
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