7098 - 4 AM In Houston (Album)
7098 took a “Brk Frm The City” on his first album and then delivered his sensational sophomore project to hold us over “Until Next Time,” where now we find him “4 AM In Houston,” working through the nights to perfect his latest magnum opus. As impressive as it is to be still writing about 7098 since the beginning of his career and continuing to do so all these years, I’ve seen so much change and even more growth from him. Humble as always with the grind
Let’s call it as we see it; this is 7098’s Dreams & Nightmare moment, the intro, which I’m assuming is his mother speaking, building his confidence while continuing to be his biggest supporter & motivator. She’s leaving a voicemail since she knows he’s locked in on another 4 AM session, restless but ready to make the world believe in him. 7098 burst through with vivid imagery and lyricism that could bury a fleet of rappers in his path. 7098 violently discuss the urge to be proper with his rap shit, showing how lethal he is when it comes to the bars, from the come-up to the next stage in the journey. He won’t die until he reaches a million; from there he’s somewhere in the sky past the clouds, in the stars with the moon & planets, that futuristic shit. Baring everything on the line, this is his road to success, and we are just on the sideline witnessing the race. I knew we would hear more than 7098 in an emotional state going over things that have taken over his psyche, especially while recording. He’s starting to feel the somber feeling of being isolated from family and friends but knows sacrifices like this were coming. He doesn’t question the process, he still has hopes his dreams will come to fruition, but other thoughts come to play. Who’s looking for him? If he wasn’t in the place he was in, would there be people beside him? Who’s praying for his downfall & who has the most significant return if he fails? These things go through his mind, but “It Don’t Matter”; the winning is coming, it’s on his phone, calling, and when he answers it, the other shit goes quiet. It’s one of the shining moments we hear 7098 be himself out of his rap persona. Not saying he fakes it, but when it comes to music, we usually hear the good things and rarely the things that eat us away inside; I salute him for his honesty and heartfelt take on his deeper feelings. I prayed for this collaboration to happen ever since they both appeared on the Texas Smoke Break Fest lineup years back, and I’m sure that’s why the connection occurred. “Dickies Suit” just like the ones worn by the late great Chad Butler, it’s where both these emcees channel their inner UGK and dive into something smooth, cutting up with prestigious rap in a setting that makes something spectacular appear in rare form. 7098 conducts a heavy set of boastful bars to those fake riding with him; they smile in his face but have a deep hatred for his success. That shit for the birds; 7098 is speed running through the wins and not taking any losses; don’t beat yourself to be in his place when it all came with dedication & hard work, which many can’t duplicate. I enjoyed the remaining records since they fall into more into the r&b category & personal joints. “Voices” talk about seeing himself as the beacon of the city; many before have tried and failed. His spontaneous effect of ensuring every word is heard makes him a deadly poet; he’s not here for a piece but the entire loot. 7098 even rings in the record with some singing to the mix that shows the passion in his forte; it continues in the following tracks, “Winning Now & Repertoire” to have him slide in with an abundance of raps that are swinging with sharp edges where if it hits you hard enough it can kill. His pen is vicious and heavy in the album, and while the tone changes dramatically in the following tracks, he still preaches love at the end of the day. “Why” discusses the importance of arguing with himself. Not too many artists can make something like this and come with the same vibe. 7098 is putting himself through the wringer, discussing the wins, the hate, the love, the losses, everything. He wants to understand why, after everything he’s been through and put on the back burner, why disvaule his success? If the shoe were on the other foot, he would have your back by showing support, so why not do the same for him? Saylo got some pipes on him, production & vocals; crown this man the goat. 7098 explains his vulnerability in “Never Leave”; the fact he’s willing to change and show some of his insecurities already offers more than he’s ever done before. The ability to speak on personal things while sounding so reflective simultaneously is insane artistry. Take anything you want from this project but ensure the word greatness follows through. When it comes to the music shit, you aren’t equal to 7098, Not by a fraction or a mile, the people around have his back no matter what, and it’s the reason for his motivation. We speak on many things when it comes to his drive and his passion but at the end of it; it’s the people around him being the real reason. He has alot on the line to make it out the grain and here his promise to make it happen.
I couldn’t tell you what’s next from 7098; it’s all surprises formed by the Hometeam; no turning back & no falling off. 7098 has been a man of persistent & hustle, an artist of will & prominent nature. Where he lands next will be another conquest for him to claim. All praise to 7098 & his team, nothing but love from this side. We highly recommend you check out his album here while sharing it around on all social media avenues.