UnotheActivist breaks through his own barriers with his album, "8"
Written by Noah John
At his best, UnotheActivist is an incredible innovator, doing as much as any active artist to push the boundaries of hip-hop forward. Though never quite achieving mainstream acceptance, Uno’s eclectic style has undoubtedly been constantly imitated ever since he began making waves back in 2015. While other artists have rode his wave to widespread notoriety, Uno has largely stayed to himself, releasing a string of respected mixtapes and cementing himself as an underground legend. Given this, to dub the release of his debut studio album 8 “overdue” would be an understatement.
With eighteen total tracks and just three features, 8 is an ambitious project, though its run length will certainly be appreciated by Uno’s fans, who have been waiting nearly 3 years since its announcement. Sonically, the album features Uno in his most eclectic and expressive form, with substantial vocal inflections, wild adlibbing and unpredictable flow switches. For example, on the later half of “Pure,” he employs a dramatic, infant like falsetto, while on the subsequent track “Circles and Squares” he exaggeratingly alliterates his “P” sounds, seemingly spitting in disgust at his opposition, a sentiment he develops further on the aptly titled “Ew.”
While listening to this album, Uno’s influence on the current hip-hop soundscape leaps out immediately. The aforementioned “Pure,” with its smooth tamber and YSL references brings to mind the work of Gunna, while Uno’s delivery on “Circles and Squares” is highly reminiscent of Playboi Carti’s “RIP YAMS.” While one may be tempted to say Uno sounds like these artists, those who have been in tune with his come up should understand that Uno developed these styles in tandem with these larger artists, or that they are actually the ones imitating him.
In addition to his sonic techniques, One of Uno’s biggest strengths throughout the album is his self awareness. The album’s intro “Aye Yai Yai” kickstarts a recurring theme of personal reflection, as he croons over a relaxing guitar loop with beautifully dubbed vocals. Both his lyrics (“I took the time so I can meditate… I took the time so I can medicate”) and the tone of this song suggests that Uno is fatigued by the work he has put in throughout his career, but at least vaguely satisfied by its outcome. To Uno, the money and respect he has earned is enough, as he no longer desires acceptance in what he now sees as a counterfeit industry.
“While one may be tempted to say Uno sounds like these artists, those who have been in tune with his come up should understand that Uno developed these styles in tandem with these larger artists, or that they are actually the ones imitating him.”
- Noah John
Doubling down on this stance on the album’s standout track “Pure,” Uno cleverly chastises inauthentic artists (“These niggas be cap 'bout they sales, Columbus,”) while detailing how he strives to remain solid (“Can't trust nobody, can never be sure. I hustle every day, don’t wanna be poor. Repent every day just so I can stay pure.”) Similarly, on “My Go To,” he shrewdly declares “Loyalty is royalty and I’m so noble,” turning an overused cliche into an acute testament to his dependability.
Besides discussing loyalty, 8, like all Uno projects, has its fair share of bars about women and drugs. While sometimes approached superficially, such as on the over repetitive “My Type,” or the admittedly infectious Percocet anthem “Night Mode,” Uno actually offers a more thoughtful and serious perspective about these topics on a number of tracks. On the self produced “Miss Me,” Uno delivers a scathing message to an ex, while on “Devil on Yo Right Shoulder” he contemplates different lifestyles with his current girl. Most notably, on the outstanding song “My Go To,” Uno ties his album’s major themes together by juxtaposing his drug dependency with the inconsistency of people in his life.
8 is certainly not without its flaws. While Uno’s atmospheric production is often incredibly alluring, at times it can be too lethargic and fail to fully capture your attention. Furthermore, a few tracks on the album are frankly mixed poorly, such as “Mo Money,” which hardly even sounds CDQ. While some fans will enjoy this grunge, likely purposely unfinished sound, these issues can be hard to tolerate for the duration of a nearly 50 minute project.
Furthermore, while Uno’s decision to avoid having a heavy guest list on his debut album is admirable, the features he does allow do not add a ton to the project. Although Callboy’s passionate appearance on “My Go To,” is one of the album’s best moments, Ty Dolla $ign (“Can't Go”) and 2gramcam’s (“Night Mode”) contributions are largely forgettable.
All in all however, 8 is a solid debut album that effectively encapsulates where Uno is at this point in his life and career. He sums up his current mind state on the album’s closing track “Blood Sweat & Tears,” where he declares “Don't think you niggas got the message, I don't need a new friend.
Never have I ever asked for y'all two cents.” While Uno has been overlooked for years, he does not care, as music is simply his outlet for self expression. Making music for himself and increasingly by himself, Uno has been able to craft some of the most innovative sounds of the current era. Although he may not be interested in it, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Uno’s profile experience some late ascension if he is able to continue with this level of output.
Check out the new album by UnoTheActivist below.