Album Review - “Shorter Vol. 1”

Derrick Shorter has quickly become one of Michigan’s top producers. Working alongside an impressive stable of local hip-hop heavyweights, the Ypsilanti-standout’s auteur career has been heavy on creative substance. Following the release of his EP “S.M.B.T.N.M” Where fans witnessed Shorter as both, emcee and producer, one could only wonder if his lyrical prowess match his already impressive line of producing credits. Shorter Vol. 1 is the answer to that question.

Shorter, Vol. 1, for lack of better terms, offers a solid follow-up project for the rapping-producer. Shorter once again takes his pen to task, writing raps that try to equal his top-tier production in artistic glory. This EP provides a proper showcase of his abilities as an emcee. He possesses a sharp enough tongue to hold your attention long enough without approaching boring or track-skippingly bad.

With this EP, a continuation of his previous projects, Shorter aligns himself with producers who bet on their writing material in the past, ala Kanye, Pharrell, and Timberland. However, his production continues to prove to be the true standout throughout this project. Shorter's sounds have characteristics that allow the listener to appreciate melodies that aren't colorful but adventurous in their samples and stern in their appearance.

A producer on the bubble of superstardom, the appeal of Shorter’s production has long been a push-and-pull between hip-hop cipher-ready beats and radio-single-worthy production. He’s capable of sounds that can wow you from the first drop pad and guide you through a credible sound scan hit.

This tape is incredibly short, running at just 11 minutes. This short time is a blessing rather than a curse, as you’ll find yourself appreciative of the art displayed during its brief runtime.   You can find this short, but addictive EP on both spotify and apple music.