new music: greg grease’s ‘motif ii ep’ is an ode to radical self-care and moderation #soundcheck

Greg Grease has proved himself one of hip-hop’s most deft social critics over the course of his last few records. He’s got an innate talent for telling stories that make a point without being preachy; songs that are equally personal and political. Combine that with some timeless-yet-forward-thinking production, and you get Greg Grease’s latest, the Motif ii EP.

By Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK Contributor

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“Moderation” is maybe not much of a rabble-rousing battle-cry, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. Any activist (who hasn’t burnt themselves out after a year or two) will tell you: self-care is the key to the revolution. “The bigger picture” Grease cites is all about keeping yourself sane in the face of insurmountable fuckery. The chill production from M¥K cuts in: “just don’t overdo it.” It’s less call-to-arms than Grease’s masterful “Really Tho,” but that doesn’t make it any less awesome.

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On “Deemon,” Grease spits his plan to “be a better man.” “My intent’s to invent a new script to get chips / flip then spread the dividends amongst friends / no lavish expense keep it humble, be lawless.” Moderation. The EP closes with the coda “Inherit.” Featuring M¥K’s mindfuckingest production, it’s a handful of ideas that cuts out abruptly: the promise of future collaboration. It may only be half a song, but I can’t wait to hear the other half. Even songs in moderation.

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