M7’s debut album, The Reminder, is not just a collection of tracks—it’s a statement to some extent of his perseverance, and artistic growth, as well as his commitment to his craft. After a brief hiatus, M7 returns to the music scene, not as a newcomer, but as a seasoned artist with ambition and heart, determined to re-establish his presence and image in the music industry. This article jumps into the inspiration behind the album, the rather complicated process of its creation, and how it reflects M7’s journey as an artist.
When asked about the inspiration for the album, M7 explains that The Reminder is a message to his audience, a bold statement that despite the hiatus, he’s still “kickin’ n doozin it proppa.” This phrase emphasizes the essence of the album—a mixture of confidence and authenticity that defines M7’s style. The hiatus wasn’t just a break; it was a period of reflection and growth, during which M7 honed his skills, explored new sounds, and ultimately creating an album that not only reintroduced him to the music world but also highlights his artistic growth and development.
In many ways, The Reminder expands on what purpose or significance it has and shows its more versatile significance. It’s both a reintroduction and a reassurance. For long-time fans, it’s a reminder that M7’s talent hasn’t waned over the years. For new listeners, it’s an invitation to experience the artistry of someone who has been silently crafting his sound, waiting for the right moment to reemerge.
Track Selection: A Blend of Past and Present
What our writers like about The Reminder is its blend of older and newer tracks. M7 carefully selected the songs to showcase his journey, illustrating that even during his hiatus, he was continually creating music. The inclusion of tracks like “GET UP” and “Time’s Tickin,” both written five years ago, speaks to the timeless nature of M7’s work. These songs still pack a punch and show the ability to keep in tune with today’s sound despite the time difference.
M7’s decision to revisit and refine these older tracks demonstrates his commitment to quality. He didn’t rush to release them; instead, he waited until they could be fully realized, with features from Solution The Rapper adding depth and dimension. The track “FWILTAKAI” is a prime example of M7’s artistic intuition—originally intended as a full-length song with multiple features, it was reimagined as a short track, perfectly tailored to today’s listeners with shorter attention spans. This adaptability showcases M7’s understanding of the current music landscape and his ability to evolve with it.
M7’s style has undoubtedly evolved over the years. Where his earlier work might have leaned heavily on raw, gritty flows, The Reminder introduces a more intricate and melodic side of the artist. M7 himself acknowledges this growth, noting that he’s become more confident in incorporating melody into his music. This evolution not only broadens his appeal but also adds a new layer of complexity to his tracks, making them more engaging and listenable.
The album hints at future directions, with tracks like “It Keep Comin” offering a taste of the melodic, pain-driven music that M7 plans to explore further. This track, in particular, stands out as a bridge between his past and future work, blending the raw energy of his earlier style with the emotional depth of his newer material.
One of the key strengths of The Reminder is M7’s ability to balance his gritty, intricate flows with more melodic, heartfelt elements. This balance is not easily achieved, and M7 himself admits that the process is different every time. It’s an expansion of his versatility as an artist where he can navigate between these two styles, creating a cohesive sound that resonates with a wide audience.
In a music landscape that often favors one-dimensional artists, M7’s ability to blend these contrasting elements sets him apart. It allows him to appeal to fans of traditional rap as well as those who prefer more melodic and emotionally driven music.
The Significance of The Reminder in M7’s Career
Titling his debut album The Reminder is significant in itself. It’s a clear statement that M7 is back, and he’s here to stay. The album not only reintroduces M7 to the world but also sets the stage for his future projects. By including tracks that span over five years of his career, M7 provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of his growth as an artist.
However, the process of compiling such a project was not without its challenges. M7 describes the experience as “scattered,” with multiple studio sessions spread out over time. The cost, both in terms of time and money, was significant, leading M7 to consider a more streamlined approach for future projects. This insight into the realities of creating a full-length album adds a layer of authenticity to M7’s narrative, reminding listeners that behind the music, there’s a dedicated artist facing the same challenges as many others in the industry.
Influence of the Perth Music Scene
While M7 draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including the broader Australian music scene, the influence of Perth, Western Australia, is evident in his work. Perth’s music scene, known for its diversity and innovation, has undoubtedly shaped M7’s sound. However, M7 is careful not to be pigeonholed; he takes inspiration from everything, even music he doesn’t particularly like, using it as fuel to create something uniquely his own.
This eclectic approach is reflected in the album’s features, with long-time collaborator N8TH and the relatively new Solution The Rapper both contributing to the project. These collaborations not only enrich the album but also highlight M7’s ability to work with a variety of artists, further showcasing his versatility.
What’s Next for M7?
With The Reminder marking an explosive return, the future looks bright for M7. The album sets the stage for what’s to come, hinting at the exploration of new genres and styles. Fans can expect M7 to continue pushing the boundaries of his music, incorporating elements of punk rock, EDM, drill, pop rap, and more into his future projects.
M7’s message is clear: he’s been doing this for a while, and he’s not going anywhere. As he continues to evolve and grow as an artist, one thing is certain—M7 is here to stay, and The Reminder is just the beginning.