E.Nez (The Reason Why) - Reviews

E.Nez
The Reason Why

Every now and again, a hot underground urban project comes from out of nowhere and makes you take notice. With that said, here comes E.Nez.

This relative newcomer hailing from Boston, drops his debut release titled The Reason Why on Tunnel Vizion Entertainment. Successfully blending all that is right in the urban music field, E.Nez makes his mark on urban music lovers and industry execs alike.

Born as Elvin Nesbitt, E.Nez successfully does what many try to do. That is, he can both sing and rap. And this isn't some elementary lyrical flow we're talking about here. The boy can really bring the heat. The 15-song project kicks off with an intro that sets the stage for an exciting urban ride.

E.Nez introduces himself on the punchy intro where he gives you an idea of how he can rhyme. "What U Came 2 Do" has him teaming up with producer CK, who both lays down production for the track and adds his hot flow. The raw energy that's found on this project is equivalent to what you'd find from Bad Boy's Da Band. E.Nez and CK vibe like Fred, Ness and Choppa would, and you can feel the chemistry in your bones when you hear it. CK serves as producer for the entire project and his tracks will literally make your ears jump and your head nod like a Donnie McClurkin bobblehead!!

On the bulk of these tracks, E.Nez also provides background vocals. Vocally, E.Nez is seemingly a vocal hybrid of Dawkins & Dawkins, Mario Winans and Canton Jones. Yes, it's that serious!! So, it's a real treat when you hear both his background and lead vocals.

E.Nez has a number of friends that accompany him on this debut. Jenny Thomas lends her vocals to "U Belong", a precious urban groove that reminds everyone that they do have a E.Nez

place in God's Kingdom and no one is cast aside. Courtney Harrell from Here II Praise (see album review) teams with E.Nez on "Done 4 Me", giving Christ praise for all He's done. This track is different, as it features a live band which includes CK on keyboards, Ozzie Powell on bass, and E.Nez on drums. It seems like he can do it all.

"Live 4 Christ" sees E.Nez team with another urban head from the Boston area —Andrew G (see album review) from the reggae tandem Blood Brotherz (see album review) adds his reggae chant to this trendy track. The cut will easily get some serious spins from those who like to cruise to a bump on a summer day. With a catchy beat, serious vocals, and a touch of reggae, look for this one will catch on quickly.

Connie T, the other half of Blood Brotherz, joins Mo' Philla, Rocklyn, and E.Nez on "Represent That". This heavy hip hop track sees all four of these cats flow with different yet complimentary styles that are definitely hot! The track blends elements of that dirty south, New Orleans flava with a West coast vibe that's an unusual, but successful mix. The title cut is a slick urban groove that could easily rival any Usher track on the radio today. Here, E.Nez declares to the world that Christ is his reason for existence and his inspiration for living. As tight as this track is, it has an equally worthy reprise — It's 54 seconds of urban madness that has absolutely no resemblance to the original song. And it's blazin'!

For someone as urban as E.Nez, some might be surprised to find that he also balances his vibes, and moves into a praise and worship vein with "Give Thanks" (once recorded by Motor City Mass Choir on the Shout in the House project. While the structure of the song is similar, E.Nez adds an urban flair to the background vocal arrangements that makes this song all his own. Even with its distinctly urban twist, the spirit of praise and worship is in no way lost on this arrangement.

E.Nez follows this with a nearly two-minute instrumental reprise, featuring CK on all instruments except drums, on which E.Nez proudly represents. Though no words are ever sung on this reprise, it undeniably remains praise and worship.

In addition to all of this, he ends the album with a hidden track titled "My Good Thing", which features Mo' Philla. Conceptually, this track sounds like the result of a musical partnership between Tonex and Canton Jones. However, it's really E.Nez and CK. This track speaks to the joy of finding your soulmate, scripturally defined as a good thing.

Few debut projects have the potential to really be the breakthrough project for an artist and producer. This is definitely one of those projects. Both E.Nez and CK have done a fantastic job with this debut offering. This could easily be put on the list as one of the hottest underground releases of the year. Check it out so you can discover The Reason Why.

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Producer: CK album release date: 2004
Tunnel Vizion Entertainment

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —