Quanstar :: Momentum

Quanstar is the true definition of a hustler. By that I don’t mean that his music brags about how much he hustles, how he always hustles, or even mentions the word “hustle.” Instead, Quanstar’s work ethic says everything that needs to be said about his work ethic. His name may be unfamiliar to the masses, but that has not kept the man from releasing multiple albums and EPs, music videos, and touring consistently to promote his music. His music doesn’t reflect the desperate delusions of a man trying to rap for a big hit or ringtone sales, but instead conveys his love for hip-hop and his determination to make quality music. “Momentum” is the latest EP from Quanstar and delivers another small, but potent, dose of dope hip-hop.

The EP’s name doesn’t convey much about the music contained, but reflects the fact that Quanstar wanted to release this music ASAP rather than wait to compile an album’s worth of material. While the EP lacks a cohesive purpose, the individual songs overcome any thematic shortcomings. “I’m Through” is a short barrage of punch lines and positive advice that serves as an appropriate intro. “Higher Standards” is a clever proclamation of Quanstar’s abilities as an emcee as he declares “higher standards, giving these niggas nosebleeds” on the hook. “On My Brain” is a reflective track where Quanstar details some of the struggles he has faced as an artist. “She Did Me Wrong” features one of the EP’s dopest beats with a warm, soulful sample looped over soft piano keys. The instrumental serves as the perfect backdrop for Quanstar to reflect on young love and the problems that can come with it. “Christmas List” is the EP’s strongest track as Quanstar finds a strong way to convey his sorrow:

“A couple months ago Dale died in Iraq
Two weeks before he was supposed to come back
Married about a year, newlywed to the widow
Still can’t believe it so she staring out the window
Never got a chance to see his daughter
The only thing she’ll know is a picture of her father
Never learned a lesson he’d have taught her
Shaking and trembling, barely even hold a glass of water
Eyes swollen up, blood red, bone dry
First couple of weeks only thing she did was cry
Mother came down to help with the baby
Only time she cool is when you rocking little Katie
Thought it was right so he took another tour
Pissed because she shouldn’t have let him out the door
Does it even ever get better than this?
Wrote “bring him back” on your Christmas list
And please cruel world don’t look at me
I’m a shell of the person that I used to be
Because God don’t love me, that much clear
And wonder why Santa won’t come around here
It’s “happiness” on my Christmas list
And I still didn’t get that wish”

Presenting sorrow, sadness, and disappointment in adulthood through the concept of unfulfilled Christmas wishes is very unique and clever. The EP ends on a strong note with “I Need You,” an up tempo track about perceptions with an eerie, robotic beat.

Overall, “Momentum” is a dope EP from a passionate artist. That said, the last three tracks are definitely stronger than the first three. One minor gripe with the project is just the vocal quality of Quanstar’s vocals on most tracks. They don’t sound unprofessional at all, but do lack something in terms of mastering that make them sound at odds with the beats on some songs. Oddly enough, the distortion effect used on “I Need You” is just right to mesh his vocals with that particular song. Despite that small issue, Quanstar’s passion and lyrics shine through on this EP and he gives us plenty of dopeness to hold you over for his next project. Knowing his work ethic and passion, that next project should be right around the corner.