Maddog McGraw’s 2nd EP “Michigan & the Mecca” Prod. by Ras Beats Showcases the Different Sides of His Lyrical Abilities (EP Review)

Lansing, Michigan emcee Maddog McGraw teaming up with Ras Beats for his 2nd EP. In the last 7 years, he’s gone from his debut EP Green Beret & both Grumpy Old Man mixtapes to the debut album Shit Talking 201 from the summer prior. His uncommon versatility whether it’s vivid storytelling, delivering sensual sexy grooves or rugged & raw bars give a well rounded spectrum of the art form and Michigan & the Mecca caught my attention with Jake Palumbo doing the engineering.

The title track starts with this boom bap instrumental with an organ-sample referring to himself as the underground greyhound whereas “Neanderthal” works in an atmospheric backdrop with kicks & snares dissing those who’re lyrically subpar. “Church” maintains a boom bap sound letting it be clear that this is the end of the search for those who’re looking for hip hop at its purest while “Disorderly Conduct” ruggedly talks about the lyrical aggression poetry packing punches.

“Magnificent Misfit” keeps it in the basement instrumentally serving Fatalities to new jacks on the mic like it’s Mortal Kombat & “Shit Talking 202” serves as a welcoming spiritual successor to his debut. “Right Here” dustily boasts that the neighbors give them studio applause once they’re done & “Rebel Yell” passionately talks about coming too far to fair at this point his career. “Black Man’s Blues” finishes the EP by showing a consciously introspective side to him.

Michigan & the Mecca showcases the different sides of Maddog McGraw’s lyrical ability as he takes you on a tour through Lansing showcasing his Southern roots, storytelling rhymes, clever wordplay & superior braggadocious rhyme schemes so Ras can bring his whole arsenal out by giving Maddog an array of chopped up synths, choirs, horn stabs, basslines, guitars & synths to express himself to.

Score: 8/10