2025 has been an amazing year for Hip-Hop lovers, as we were well-fed with a range of quality works from some of our faves as they understood the importance of a strong storyline encompassed by a great production. It isn’t every day that one fully opens up to their fans as they take them on a journey of life through their own lens. Well, A-Reece did that with his ‘Business As Usual’ EP as he welcomed us into his world with great lyricism & great production.
The EP is first opened up with an easy listen intro titled ‘Sundae’s Intro’, which sets a mood of peace and bliss through a calm play of keys and various mind-easing sonics. It is a great opener as it gradually ropes us into a journey of Bars and eye-opening messages. Just as you think it couldn’t get any better, A-Reece brings in Kwazi M to deliver the 2nd track titled ‘So Much’, which is a reflective single that touches on the state of life alongside challenges & changes that A-Reece has endured over the past years, which has impacted the man he is today.
The EP is then extended with an interlude and a well-penned message to self, titled ‘Solo’. The track expresses the importance of self-belief and being rooted in a structure that works for you; in this case, prayer is the structure and words of affirmation. The interlude is smooth and quite guiding, as to where A-Reece sonically is. Complimenting the strong messaging left in ‘Solo’ is ‘Losses’, where A-Reece sits back to introspect on the growth and impact of his career as an independent artist. This speaks volumes, as his fanbase and milestones are a true reflection of his hard work over the past years.
The mellowness & nostalgic theme is then expanded through ‘Scented Candles/Well Done, Dada’, which is a track that explores the beauty and impact of fatherhood towards A-Reece as he cherishes each moment with his family and understands that each move is detrimental to his long-term vision, which he has no fear for because all is left in God’s hands.
Just as you think it couldn’t get better, A-Reece unites with K.Keed & Jay Jody to create a one-message track titled ‘Idgaf’ which expresses not caring about the things of the world or people’s opinions on your journey as your path is your path, and it is key for you to focus on your own path. ‘Sweatshop Freestyle (Bonus)’ is honestly a unique track amongst the tracks on the project, as it is more of a confidence booster and takes a totally different sonic direction compared to the other tracks on the project. It is an easy and fun listen, more or less.
We finally get to the end of the project, as it is closed by a melodic and rhythmic track titled ‘Filet Mignon’, which touches on a special somebody that can come into your life and change it completely, as they bring a more bubbly & lively side into your story. This is a great closing as it is light to the ears and quite jolly, more than anything.
Honestly speaking, the project stood out from A-Reece’s previous projects, as this one served as a quick bite into the world of A-Reece. I truly enjoyed it because it created a different perspective on life, but also allowed most of us into the more gentle side of A-Reece as he catches us up in his life’s events. In summary to the story, no matter how hard life may be, always remember that there are better times to come, and when they do come, be present in order for you to cherish them for a lifetime. Life is not created to be easy, but it is in the various routine activities that we conduct, such as praying, that can keep us afloat, and the people you keep around you, such as family. This project really stood out as it not only expresses a message of positivity but also a sense of relatability.
Listen to ‘Business As Usual’ below:
