Detroit. In the 50s and 60s Detroit was one of America’s’ meccas. Influencing both the nation
and the world in everything from culture to industrialism. Motown set the precedent for modern music, The Beatles themselves agree. To this day record company’s try to duplicate the process and success to no avail. A lot of bad politics and generations later Detroit became a former shell of what it used to be; to outsiders at least. Us Detroiters know the truth though and things have been steadily building for the city to become the Mecca once more.
The news will tell you it’s because the government “cleaned up” downtown, but the truth is it’s the people. The ones who go to work everyday, the ones who help the community, and the artists that provide constant inspiration; that is the backbone of Detroit. One of those artists is 19 year old Ademar Locke who grew up not too far from the original Motown. His mixtape released on March 31st entitled “Nomad” is a sterling example of the rising talent in the city. He’s been building buzz for awhile now, having some sounds blow up on TikTok and making big business moves. Fully independent and self financed, Ademar Locke has free range when it comes to the art he creates, and he isn’t afraid to experiment.
His biggest inspiration is Kanye West and you can definitely hear it, but it’s far from imitation.
Ademar fuses clever wordplay, impeccable flows, and an incredible ear for picking beats to put his official stamp on whatever he does. Although he often switches it up, you know when you’re listening to an Ademar Locke song.
The first track “No Sleep” is a two minute and thirty four second bender, putting you in a lucid state until the beat slaps you back awake. Maintaining constant energy throughout with
thoughtfully placed flow switches. The song hooks you in and doesn’t let go. Track two “She
Can Ride” is the perfect follow up. Maintaining the energy but completely switching up the beat and melodies. Creating something reminiscent of house music and early Frank Ocean but his flow and bars add an ever unique twist on the genre. I can definitely see TikTok wanting to get their hands all over this.
Track three “Reality” slows down the pace and Ademar tones his performance back but that’s only so the beat can shine. With trap and drill influences the song has mass appeal and Ademar allows his personality to shine through with adlibs. The next song “Tramp Stamp” has the projects’ first feature in fellow Detroit artist Whiterosemoxie who compliments Ademar like he has a crush on him. The track starts with a slap to the face and stomps you out for the remaining time.
Track five “It’s Been A minute” has already garnered success on TikTok and it’s no surprise.
Completely switching it up from the previous songs, “It’s Been a Minute” is an introspective
exploration into love. Ademar flips this on its head though with a new vocal style and engaging beat. Similar to OutKast's approach with “Hey Ya!”. It’s really impressive how the song sounds like nothing from before but maintains the spirit of the project.
Track six “Air Bender” brings in another feature with AntVerson who trades bars with Ademar. This song is pure technical ability and provides moments for both Artists to spazz over a constantly evolving beat. There’s no video but you can see the chip on their shoulder. The next song “10 Toes Down” brings the tempo and energy back down a little bit with a more pop centered beat. Ademar still shines with his lyrics and flows, owning every second of the song.
Track eight “Withdrawals” opens with an R&B intro before the beat switches to 90s boom bap and then melds the two together. Allowing Ademar to shine with his pure technical rapping ability but also highlights his unique vision with melodies and incorporating different elements to the beat. Track 9 brings back Whiterosemoxie for “Bad Bitch Fetish”. Another house music inspired song it does an excellent job of slowing things down while still keeping you fully engaged. It acts as a small intermission but proves it belongs on the project as both artists shine. The next song “Malibu” keeps the tempo down but Ademar brings the energy back. Pouring his heart and soul into this one, we really get a look into his mindset. A vulnerable song until halfway through when we get a beat switch up. Ademar comes in full force, showing the duality in both his ability and perspective. This song is like having a devil on either shoulder, ones telling you to be sad and the other wants you to rage.
Track eleven “Intuition” is a freestyle and brings back the introspection. Ademar really talks on this one, even opening with his most laid back flow so far. But he means every word and puts emphasis where it’s needed, an excellent follow up to the last one and the perfect penultimate song. The self-titled outro “Nomad” brings in the last features with more Detroit artists, “Scoob and Sydney” and “Daboat”. It acts as the perfect play out music with constant beat progressions and a feeling of closure throughout. This song perfectly encapsulates everything I love about this album.
I started with mentioning the downfall of Detroit and I’ll finish by mentioning the rise once more. We’ve had our own sound when it comes to rap for a while now, as the rest of the world is finally learning. But there’s so much more than the street stuff. We have jazz musicians, folk singers, pop singers, even country singers. Hell, we have Ademar Locke, who in my humble opinion represents everything great about this city. A young man who’s punching his ticket on nothing but talent and hard work. Detroit is hungry and ready to take its place back on top, and thanks to artists like Ademar Locke that vision doesn’t seem too far away. Checkout “Nomad” and the rest of his catalog on all streaming platforms now.
“Nomad” Mixtape Review
Written by Stacy James
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