Project Review - "Jewelz" by Crystal Crave

Crystal Crave is a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop community. A unique talent that knows the potential is there and, if nothing else, possesses the confidence to unabashedly flaunt her talents to the masses with what can only be described as an audio middle finger to opposition and naysayers alike.

During her three songs EP Jewelz, Crave takes three songs to verbally dance her way through a showcase of what could very well be the future of the culture, never taking a moment to acknowledge forefathers or legends, instead, taking the offbeat path of paving her legacy one bar at a time, informing everyone that there's a new player in the rap game and she's not one to take lightly.

Content-wise, Crave is a throwback to the early days of Nicki Minaj without the theatrics. Think affluently arrogant, with a penchant for saying “Fuck You” and that’s a solid tone for the emcee. Tracks like “Jealous” feature the most unique beat of the songs of the project, and she takes full advantage of every moment that’s placed in front of her by displaying a vicious pen-game.

While a brief project, Crave accomplishes three unique feats that every hip-hop rookie should strive to achieve.

First, she displays multiple flows and styles on each song. She is no one-trick pony, and that is a highlight of her potential.

Second, she has no features. This project is a showcase of her and her alone. There is no reason to attempt to enhance a song with someone who is not Crave. She passes with flying colors as each song is entertaining and creative.

Third, she puts together full-fledged songs, with a competent hook that is repetitive enough to be catchy, but not annoying, and two verses to match the aforementioned high-ceiling potential of her artistry.

Another wonderful moment about the project is Crave's ear for solid instrumentals. While hip-hop veterans have an unfortunate habit of selecting beats that force the listeners to pay attention to their lyrics above fun-loving instrumentals, Crave leans into the notion that beats should be fun, energetic, and honest to her style. Songs like "Tread Lightly" capture the style of a mid-2010s Tyga bop, but instead, it's led by Crave, who attacks every moment of the instrumentals.

Overall, Jewelz introduces a rapper with potential for a long stay in the game and near unlimited skills, only limited by time. Expect to see more of Crave in the future.