New York City holds a special place for artists. No matter the medium, intrinsically there is something that pushes most creative minds to get their asses to New York if they ever plan to get serious about their career. If you’re an artist, I know you’ve heard that internal chant constantly reminding you ‘You’ve got to have your New York years, You’ve got to have your New York years.’ I’ve heard that voice since I was young. I’ve ignored it, loathed it, talked back, and now I’m finally listening. Which is why Nemo Achida‘s latest EP, Goodbye Brooklyn found it’s way to my inbox in the nick of time.
New York is Warhol. New York is Hip hop. New York is Samo. New York is Run DMC. New York is Jay-Z. New York is Madonna. New York is Anna Wintour. New York is downtown. New York is uptown. New York is fucking New York City.
Naturally I’d connect with Nemo Achida‘s new project Goodbye Brooklyn EP. He’s living the life I’m about to embark on. Just six months ago, the Kentucky born emcee and producer packed up and moved to New York. Brooklyn to be specific. He left behind family, friends, a relationship and home, trading comfort and the accepted for uncertain dreams and aspirations. Brave, but very necessary, as struggle breeds the best art. When all you have to eat off is your dreams, you can’t help but be hungry. And in this EP he’s crafted exactly what he’s been perfecting for years, a lyrical catharsis so authentic, honest and clever. Dare I say this is one of the best rap EP’s I’ve heard all year. Scratch that, The best rap EP’s I’ve heard in a long time.
It’s on the opening track ‘Intro/ Brand New’ which features a vocal sample from Woody Allen’s Manhattan, where Nemo’s current sentiment regarding the city and scene is revealed. ‘Suddenly I have a brand new head, my brain’s on supersonic.’ It was Madonna who said New York isn’t a place, it’s a state of mind, you don’t grind, you don’t shine. And everybody wants to be the best in New York.
I see myself in two months walking down the streets of Harlem, sun on my skill, shades on my eyes and Nemo Achida’s Goodbye Brooklyn EP blasting through my headphones. I mean, it’s only necessary.
Download: Nemo Achida – Goodbye Brooklyn EP
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GREATeclectic aka Kendrick Daye is a DJ, artist and the Editor of Art Nouveau Magazine. As a freelance journalist and photographer his work has been featured in the NY Times Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Creative Loafing, Honeymag.com & Yo-Raps.com.
