EVIDENCE – UNLEARNING VOL. 2

There are staples in music, and in Hip-Hop, if anything, the last couple of decades have taught us, Michael Perretta has become exactly that. Everyone knows him as Evidence, the emcee who cut his teeth in the pivotal Dialated Peoples since releasing their first single in ‘97, while also making his name as a solo artist, releasing material concurrently. Sure, we all know where this is heading from this point on, or do we?

Unlearning Vol. 2 (Rhymesayers Entertainment) is meant to bookend his 2021 first volume, but this release, well, it stands on its own two proverbial feet. With an assortment of production work, the mood throughout it often remains the same. On the opening “Plans Change,” Evidence goes in on expressing how he favors music that’s moody, dark, and expressive, allowing him to feel emotionally. While the overtones aren’t all so dark, they are sinisterly grainy at moments, but occasionally change the timbre, brightening the timbres. “Different Phases” for example, wrapped around a deep & ominous bassline, with Ev eloquent delivery of words sorted around the shifting changes of his own tastes and how he manages them. But the melody shifts slightly 2/3rds the way, making it much warmer. This just might be the testament to Evidence’s appeal, which makes it difficult to pull yourself away from anything that may come next.

While the album may boast a variety of production from Beat Butcha, C-Lance, Sebb Bash, the Alchemist, Evidence himself, as well as others, there isn’t a disparity of sound within the release. Of course, we’ll find differences, but even the much friendlier “Outta Bounds,” with its looped guitar melody, Ev still manages to link it within the mix with his laidback flow. The track itself, slightly spacey, melodious with an underlying piano, but it’s Evidence’s words and phrasing that capture attention. He’ll take simple wording and make it…magical like, “They judge me if I color out the lines/I’m outta bounds,” and even, “I’m from a place to live and die in but/everybody’s trying to make it but nobody’s trying there/well then I guess I said it best/I’m still going, still grateful and I’m blessed.” He’s always had a way with words, phrasing, and delivering them will silver-tongued potency.

The album shakes with a lot of swagger, but it’s never exaggerated. While this isn’t a dig, the release is filled with guest appearances by the likes of Blu, Dome Genesis, The Alchemist, and others, although their presence isn’t necessary simply because this could stand comfortably just with Ev on the mic. The Alchemist handles production and trades verses with Evidence on “Rain Every Season” and if there’s one person that understands Ev, it’s the chemist. Sure, there’s a darkness surrounding it here, but the melody is infectious as the storm brews behind both of them. While I could say this was my own favorite joint off the album, that would be a lie. “Laughing Stock” is real. Evidence does equate how, yeah, the music feeds him, but not the way anyone might think. His soul is fed, his need to create is sustained. These are the fruits of his labor. The love of what he creates is complete. The music goes without saying. It’s dope.

Filled with 15 tracks, there isn’t a miss in sight on Unlearning Vol 2., making it an easy listen from beginning to end. That isn’t an easy task for any artist but Evidence is easily one of the best emcees of our time.