The group is ready to to bounce back
After a successful 2019 filled with an album, shows, nominations and awards, Snotty Nose Rez Kids were gearing up for an even better 2020. Yet, COVID-19 put all the plans to a halt, forcing the group to stop working on music altogether for months. After finding inspiration in their break, Yung Trybez and Young D got back to work to create their fourth album, Life After.
The album kicks off with “Grave Digger.” The ominous synth, heavy bass and the sound of a shovel add emphasis to the haunting production. “Red Sky At Night” is a chance for both Trybez and D to show off their quick and clear flow and rhyme scheme. It’s a track that leaves people with a permanent, “Wow this is good” stank face.
“If I Die Tonight” goes on about how much work they put into their craft and talents. If they were to be gone, they know that they put the work in for themselves and whatever negativity anyone has to say doesn’t matter; they were happy and content. “Bully Mode” is another synth-focused track and bouncy drum pattern. “Big dog, bully mode, you came from the streets, I’m from dirt roads” is just one of many reminders of their reservation upbringing. “Change” is such a 180 from the rest of the production on the album; it really is the best production on the album. The hype-trap influence takes a pause for a more melodic guitar and drum beat which allows for the MCs to just rap without feeling like they have to get a crowd hyped.
“Uncle Rico,” “Something Else” and “Wild Boy” are the singles off of the project that really takes a look into their Indigenous culture. “Uncle Rico” brings in the best melodic line of the project. The playing with vocal pitch makes it such a fun song to listen to. It’s a track that addresses family and ego. “Something Else” is great, but the collaboration with other Indigenous creatives for the music video brings such liveliness to the song. About the collaboration, Trybez said, “We wanted to bring together a group of social influencers making noise on the scene.” Young D says, ”The community was able to look on the bright side even though news media still fail to see and recognize us as human beings.” “Wild Boy” features another Canadian artist Polo Brian. The title is inspired by the term Bukwus, from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. It translates to “Wild Man of the Woods,” and the track overall is inspired by Haisla First Nation stories.
The pandemic put a complete stop to a lot of people’s plans. However, it allowed for a lot of people to take a step back and have a moment to just become entirely inspired. For Snotty Nose Rez Kids, it was a moment to coninue finding love for their culture and become even more skilled in their craft. Life After proves to be the perfect album to reintroduce the group and bring back the energy and drive they once had.
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