Let’s make one thing clear, this ain’t The Tongue’s first rodeo. The man born Xannon Shirley has been slugging it out for at least a decade, dropping underrated album and mixtape after underrated album and mixtape. It’s not for a lack of ambition, lack of trying or even being in the wrong place at the wrong time. For whatever reason, Shirley simply hasn’t gained the notoriety that a slew of his peers have.
It’s difficult to say whether Hard Feelings, The Tongue’s fourth LP, will do anything to change this. There’s certainly something in the air, though, as the vibe shifts predominantly into club-oriented and trap-flavoured beats; complemented by some solid vocal cameos from the likes of Ngaiire and Mataya.
Hard Feelings also sees Shirley getting more introspective than he ever has before, with tracks like Proud and album closer The Rule serving as the best demonstration of this. It’s ostensibly the sound of an artist looking to redefine himself, and refusing to get stuck in a holding pattern. As such, Shirley and his A-team of producers deserve commendation. Not everything here is on the same playing field, but it’s a bold advancement regardless.
BY DAVID JAMES YOUNG
