The Strange Fruit Project is a trio from Waco, Texas consisting of Myth, Myone & S1. Forming as a duo 3 decades ago, they would eventually drop their full-length debut From Divine after Myone joined at the turn of the millennium & their sophomore effort Soul Travelin’. It wasn’t until The Healing dropped in the summer of 2006 where they started to gain traction, garnering comparisons to both Little Brother & the Native Tongues collective. Last time we heard from them was when the M.A.S.K. (Making Art Sound Kool) extended play & their previous album A Dreamer’s Journey came out, returning after over a decade for a new EP.
After the titular intro, “Stay Kings” opens up with this boom bap beat produced by none other than S1 talking about only the strong prevailing whereas “Superman” featuring Theory Hazit instrumentally takes a more soulful route explaining that everyone has their own kryptonite referencing the DC hero of the same name merely 72 hours following Warner Bros.’ oligarchic merger with Paramount to become the Skydance Corporation was finalized.
“Kast Out” hits the midway point of the EP confidently talking about spirituality & after the “Becoming” interlude, “See My Pain” featuring Deontaye Daywalker soulfully kicks off the 2nd half wanting the world to look at the suffering they’ve had to endure. “Won’t Back Down” featuring Rapsody finds all 4 of them talking about their refusal of surrendering under any circumstance while “Honor” featuring Blu dustily breaks down the things that humble them.
S1 has spent the last 16 years producing for some of the biggest names in music from Ye formerly known as Kanye West to Drake & Young Thug, so for him to run it back with Myth & Myone for a Strange Fruit Project reunion has been a long time coming & would probably prefer it over M.A.S.K. (Making Art Sound Kool) as far as their EPs go. The guests are all carefully selected & all add their own perspectives to the conscious lyricism these guys have become known for over S1’s rich boom bap production.
Score: 8/10
