But perhaps the most gripping is “The Story of Us,” one of two collaborations with her husband, Mr. Speaking of concepts, there are almost too many dope ones on ‘FREE’ to name. Rel big-ups his collaborator for why the record sounds like it does. “She has an excellent ear and knows what she’s looking for when she has a song concept in mind,” he says. “Her selection of beats is what kept it diverse and interesting.” From Eternia’s attention-grabbing vocals to Rel’s nostalgic and melodic blend of boom bap production, FREE is just as engaging as it is organic. These are lyrically rich, profound tracks that are both easy to follow but brimming with layers, effortlessly walking us through complex themes with straight-shooting simplicity as only veterans can do. It’s easy to hear just what she means on standout singles like the warm and nostalgic “Most PPL” and moody and haunting “Home,” the latter of which features fellow Canadian talents Shad and SHEAL.
Transformative events changed her life since that release, including personal triumphs (starting a family) coinciding with personal struggles (mental/physical health) and artistic struggles (this project was rebooted), all while navigating a global pandemic and the isolation that ensues. ‘FREE’ is born of these experiences as she partners with Rel McCoy, a Juno Award-winning producer she compliments heavily for providing the incredible soundscapes on the record, as well as contributing a few vocal appearances. The album represents a grand comeback for Eternia, who in 2010 released the Juno Award-nominated ‘At Last’ with producer MoSS on Fat Beats Records.
FREE ALBUM DOWNLOADS BANDCAMP PLUS
Via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.Įternia & Rel McCoy’s debut collaborative album, ‘FREE’ is a liberating ‘beauty from ashes’ sonic journey from two of Canada’s hip-hop greats. The album holds the tension between rebirth, faith and peace of mind juxtaposed with the day-to-day realities of anxiety, fear, uncertainty and failed relationships. Rel McCoy expertly provides some of the most sophisticated, moving, soulful & dynamic production we've heard Eternia rhyme on, in the same vein as a Pete Rock or a Hi-Tek but with a sonic stamp all his own.įREE is the sonic equivalent of a baptism: a first step towards wholeness and liberation. The first full-length release for Eternia since the critically acclaimed "At Last" with producer MoSS (Fat Beats Records), Eternia returns with all the slice & dice super-lyricism audiences have grown to expect from her, as well as a depth and simplicity that can only be attributed to the maturation of her certified veteran MC status. What do you get when you combine "Canada's Dopest Female MC" (Exclaim Magazine) with Canada's Best Kept Secret? You get FREE: the debut collaborative MC/Producer project between Juno-nominated Hip Hop Artist Eternia and the criminally slept on Juno-Award Winning Hip Hop Producer Rel McCoy.