Album - Derrick Shorter “SMBTNM”

Derrick Shorter’s album “SMBTNM.” Quietly showcases the progress of Shorter’s career as an emcee. The producer standout, amid an impressive creative peak these past two years, finds himself searching for the bars-manship to match the creative success achieved as a producer.

In terms of lyrical content, “SMBTNM” is a step in the right direction for Shorter, who takes impressive, self-made beats and transforms each track into impressively structured songs. Sounding better than his 2020 project, “Waverunner Pack.” Coming across as a more competent emcee. Shorter, often in his groove, finds rhyming pockets that were often missed throughout his 2020 project and capitalize on making verses feel like they matter.

If the sonically smooth “Waverunner Pack” was suggestive of where Shorter was in late 2020, then “SMBTNM,” his follow-up project, should direct to what he’s aiming to accomplish in 2021. This project is creatively ear-pleasing and highlights the potential of what Shorter could accomplish in his producing career alone. His skills as an emcee at times feel like icing on the cake.

While there is plenty of upside towards this project, the downside isn’t as apparent but occasionally shows itself.  Such is the case is Shorter’s subject matter, which can appear blasé and nonchalant at times. While it’s not necessary for an artist to always bear throughout their project, tracks can appear directionless for small increments at a time.

Outside of those minor hiccups, this album is one worthy of replays. With standout tracks like “About Me.” Shorter provides great songs with occasional glimpses of production brilliance. With an album running just under 20 minutes and no features, one can only wonder what he could accomplish with additional help and more songs.

Overall, “SMBTNM” is a great project that’s highly recommendable to those looking to get their hip-hop fix.  This project will allow you to appreciate it and finish before you feel the need to overanalyze or find any of its nonexistent flaws. You can hear the album here.