‘The Last Shall Be First EP’ is a collection of 7 tracks written and recorded in reverse chronological order by Solomon Vaughn (aka Vaughn Solo, probably better known internationally as Boonie Mayfield), since relocating to Los Angeles in 2015. All tracks were Produced by Boonie Mayfield, except “King Sh*t” (Produced by Façade, Boonie Mayfield & Will Birkhead), “Train of Thot” and “So Much More” (Produced by S’aeed Ali & Boonie Mayfield).
I’ve been reviewing Solomon Vaughn aka Vaughn Solo and Boonie Mayfield for a while now, and I was starting to think that simply labeling him a rapper, emcee or Hiphop artist/producer is a pretty restrictive label. Solomon Vaughn is an artist. Period. Clearly, on this EP, Solomon is focusing more on his lyricism, and the creative and technical skills within that idiom. Make no mistake this is arguably one of the best displays of lyricism in underground Indie Hip Hop.
All throughout the EP, Vaughn Solo uses multi-layered lyrics including evasive puns, assonance and consonance, as well as different kinds of rhyme flows; monosyllabic, multi-syllabic, internal, slant, and end rhymes, plus a whole bunch of other literary techniques of writing that almost no other Hip Hop EP currently matches. Understanding the different types of rhyme schemes used here, will help you decipher Vaughn’s lyrics and understand the true complexity of this rapper’s technical skill.
Vaughn Solo’s rapping technique is engorged in sound, cadence, and rhythm, as he uses his voice like an instrument across these tracks. He is at the peak of his lyrical genius on ‘The Last Shall Be First EP’, which is really a very soulfully produced recording. The weird thing is, despite how intricate and deep his rhymes are, he still comes off as having fun with his craft. Not only do Vaughn’s stellar lyrics capture you but he is extremely charismatic with a sincerity that is definitely missing from Hip Hop. Vaughn intricately details every aspect of his experiences and thoughts in precise lyrics surrounded by minimal, but lush musical soundscapes. The most impressive and explosive of these 7 tracks, for me, are “So Much More”, “King Sh*t”, “Take Up (feat. Façade)” and “noo•breed (the last)”.
Solomon Vaughn (aka Vaughn Solo and Boonie Mayfield), is someone who can talk about his true emotions and express them with conviction. His lyrics are extremely well-backed by the beats that make your head nod and complement Vaughn’s flows perfectly. Only more icing is added onto the cake with the addition of the superb features by Façade and Dijon SAMO. Every song is perfect – the beats, the rhymes and the raw emotion that goes into every track. Solomon Vaughn is that rare emcee who not only flows well. He is a true poet and philosopher, an artist who can command everyone’s attention!
OFFICIAL LINKS: WEBSITE – SOUNDCLOUD – TWITTER – INSTAGRAM
This brutha is becoming a deep ass artist and ONLY 32yrs old. Damn!!