Relic, the 13th Floor

By: Malcom Gibbs
Music Reviewer

Artist: Relic
Album: The 13th Floor
Label: Unsigned/Independent
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Website: http://www.relmccoy.com/

Hailing all the way Canada, Toronto-based entertainer Relic, or Rel McCoy, has dropped his latest album, The 13th Floor. Although this is the first lyrical project to come from Relic since his 2013 Golden album, he’s been keeping busy with other projects and his two instrumental albums, GETSUM Vol. 1 and Miles To Go. Relic hits the studio booth and focuses his attention to delivering some insane bars, and leaves the production to Juno Award nominee producer, FRESH KILS. Together, the duo takes listeners to a whole different level with the 13th Floor .

Relic is very transparent on this album, addressing a variety of topics from his hallway-bully days in high school (“The Least of These”), to penning verses that capture the effects of war on actively deployed troops (“Fire In Our Sky”). To help maintain the album’s reflective nature, Relic chose not to collaborate with any other lyricists, even other past Canadian partners, like Ghettosocks and Shad. Fans might also be impressed with Rel’s increased amount of singing, owning each and every song, lyrically and vocally. Other stand out tracks from the 13th Floor include “Getting Over,” “The Same Thing,” and the lead single from the album, “Breathe Easy.”  It’s also arguable that one of his best lyrical deliveries comes in the form of “Isn’t It Something,” giving us a different taste in his style from his usual east coast-esque flow.
This album is a great addition to Relic’s portfolio because he went all out on this project. Usually this triple threat likes to be in control of everything, lyrics, production, recording, etc. But by teaming up with FRESH KILS as the album’s only producer, Rel created an album that stimulated his writing and lyricism, and forced him to step out of his comfort zone. He’s also presenting topics that young adults all around the world can relate to. I think Rel is making great progress and with select tracks that have definite mainstream potential, Relic can only become a bigger force to recon with in the underground hip-hop scene.