Only one month after the release of TxE’s latest album, “WE GET IT IN TRUE”, the “T” of this group is already dropping something fresh. Respect My Region was lucky enough to get the sneak peak of TOPE’s new album “UNTIL THE NEXT TIME WE MEET”, which releases to the public TODAY. I can recommend with confidence that each and every Northwest Hip Hop follower needs to get their hands on this album! Not only does this album provide much variety to a listener, but the originality also assures fans that TOPE’s career is only getting started.
UTNTWM is the most diverse of TOPE’s work that I’ve heard yet. TOPE brought in some great artists for this project; TiRon, Caitlin Cardier, TxE’s Epp, Living Proof’s Prem, Michele Wylen, and Reva Devito all make an appearance. TOPE also included his own remix of Kelli Schaefer’s “Home”, previously featured on the Respect My Region blog! Along with a slew of talent, the album surprised me with some unexpected sounds!
My personal “first impression” favorite, “Headed for Heartbreak”, is hip hop with a heavy classic rock influence, using Winger’s 1988 hit for a beat and hook. The uniqueness of this track really makes it stand out and draws the listener in.
TOPE has done a great job of promoting this project these past few weeks, leading up to the release. After sending out the sneak peak to the press, TOPE hosted multiple release parties for fans across the Northwest and also released the preview video for the second track on the album, “Midnight”. On this track, the juxtaposition of music box effects and the raw hip hop styles of TOPE and TiRon is intoxicating. It is a beautifully smooth piece that does an excellent job of creating the mystical, fairy tale feeling of midnight.
It has surprised me how different TOPE’s solo work is from his work with TxE and Living Proof. Each project is very much its own. There’s definitely something to be said for an artist who can work just as independently as he can in a collaboration, and vice verse. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it here, I think we can really expect exciting things from TOPE and this album is proof of that. This is his first album that will be available for sale on iTunes, which is definitely an exciting step for any artist to take.Today, (March 13), you can access TOPE’s “UNTIL THE NEXT TIME WE MEET” on his BandCamp, and on March 27th, the album will be available for purchase on iTunes! I would highly recommend everyone to check out this project and support this artist!
