Steve 'Flash' JuonIt’s been a minute since I checked in with Icewear Vezzo, but you know how the rap game is. Even if I had three times as many writers and 10 times the budget to run RapReviews, we still wouldn’t be able to cover every single release that drops in a year (not to mention the back catalogue of rap’s history). A couple of songs on “UNDEFEATED” caught my attention right away though. If you’re a fan of the 1990’s (I once saw a bumper sticker that said “introverted but willing to discuss 90’s rap” and I still want one) you’ll immediately recognize the vibe of “GOOD TO ME.” The exact same sample from The S.O.S. Band that informs 2Pac’s “Heavy in the Game” and Silkk the Shocker’s “Just Be Straight With Me” is here and frankly it never gets old. Vezzo is a better rapper than Silkk anyway. He even throws in a reference to 50 Cent’s “21 Questions” that made me smile.
Speaking of songs that featured the late great Nate Dogg, Vezzo did his own flip of Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgetting” for “STREETS AIN’T SAFE,” but you probably know the sample better from “Regulate.” Much like his raspy Detroit delivery though, this version of the song feels extra crunchy to the point I almost thought he was blowing out my speakers. His producers Jetson and E.J. did that on purpose though and I appreciate them for making it different from Warren G’s version.
And speaking of Detroit Vezzo links up with Big Sean and Skilla Baby for “WORTH SOMETHING.” Like the title of “UNDEFEATED” all of the songs are in all caps, but let’s capitalize Vezzo’s love for MOTOWN and how he never forgets where he came from no matter how iced out he gets. He may be using the “diamonds on my wrist” to prove his worth, but that’s superficial compared to his worth to the local scene and how he shows love to his peers.
And that’s one thing I’ve noticed about Icewear Vezzo from the first time I checked him out — his undeniable desire to live up to his name. It would be hard to call yourself “ice wear” and not talk about your drip and bands constantly, but “RICHER THEN I EVER BEEN” featuring GT really drives his point him. Yes, “RICHER THEN” and not “RICHER THAN.” I’m not calling out his grammatically confused song title, I’m just letting you know it’s not a typo. Like capitalizing every song it’s 100% on purpose.
“UNDEFEATED” is a quick listen at nine songs spread over 21 minutes, which means the only track over three minutes long is that all-star D-Town joint. This benefits Vezzo because the production is solid and he’s in and out fast enough for you to not tire of his flossing; though honestly, I suspect some people would get tired of the raspy vocals first. Vezzo is an acquired taste and like the late Drakeo the Ruler he might not be for you. I suspect there’s a risk of me being overly kind just because I lived in Michigan for a short amount of time, but I’m also not going to ignore the fact he needs more diversity in his topics. It’s not a bad listen but you may need to play A Tribe Called Quest as a palate cleanser afterward.