Just over a month ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing the memorable 95 Tribe by Ohio hip-hop artist Tino, and in my eyes, it’s an instant classic. I related to it on the level of a lifelong sports fan, but beyond that, I was impressed by the plain and simple fact that it’s a great song. As a reviewer, you listen to a lot of music. Most of it is excellent, but only some of it sticks with you; Tino stuck with me. In light of this, I was thrilled to find out he was releasing a full-length EP called Past Due.
From the moment the opening refrain kicks in, you know you’re in for a treat. Tino blends powerful poetry with a killer flow, striking you hard like a speeding train from start to finish. He has a unique ability to write lyrics that provoke deep thought within the listener while simultaneously making you want to dance. Every song has a catchy, melodic chorus that ties everything up perfectly. From the super quick barrage of lyrical mastery we get in the opening track You Know, to the softer and more emotional Her, this isn’t a one-note EP. As the final moments of Past Due (Live It Up) hit my ears, I wanted to go back to the start and listen again. So that’s exactly what I did.
Tino is an artist who doesn’t shy away from what he’s good at. He wears it proudly on his sleeve without showing off, and he doesn’t have to; the music speaks for itself. If you do one thing today, go and listen to Past Due. You won’t regret it.
