Muriel - Trust The Process (EP)
Before the weekend hit, I got put on to the OakcliffPrincess, Muriel, by way of her most recent EP titled "Trust The Process. It was described as a 4-track project that paints her emotions and experiences in a musical form to hear and understand her. I genuinely agree with the description since hearing the tape throughout my weekend. It had a balance of vibes and ballads that remarkably introduced this soul-stunning artist to us and became a project that has plenty of replay value to really get to know Muriel beyond the music.
The first track named after her moniker is a delightful bop to get the project spinning since it keeps the production building a groove with her raps backed up with such sass & luxurious taste. She doesn't got to say it, but she's poppin especially when she's taking the title of OakCliff Princess with ease since no one is quite doing it like she is; keep hating all you want, this is a name that she earned, and no one isn't taking that from her. She quickly slows down the tempo entering the next track, "He Said," she's browsing through old photos remembering some of the memories she's had with this person, questioning where the time has gone. He's telling her that he's at his wit end with her due to her being out of control. All she wanted was to be loved and fill the empty voids she's had lost due to previous relationships. Sometimes it can come off strong since she's doesn't want to be alone anymore and know this is what she wants, but he might not be ready for that yet. In the second half of the record, she ceases down the production in the background so you can hear the pain in her vocals when she's spilling out her heart which is artistry at its finest, her roar is mighty, and you can sense this throughout the track. Picking back up the tempo and keeping it up with a catchy rhythm, her next joint titled "Tell Me That You'll Say" wants him to let her know that he'll stay with her. No need to keep secrets; everything said will be between him and her. She just needs confirmation that you'll say. The chorus is vividly wandering throughout this dance number that I can easily see people shaking hips and moving their feet to get the party started.
The last record on the project is by the most heartfelt ballad we get from Muriel; she leaves it all on the line, holding nothing back. She's not here for games, her time is too precious to waste, and she and you are too grown to beat around the bush. Show her the hand you're dealing with, so she knows her not bluffing; she needs to be in something real and not false. While this is set up with angelic vocals, she shows off her adaptability by changing it up with the chorus that brings out the devilish side of her seeing beyond his true intent. There's chaos behind his pupils; she needs to know the truth behind his disguise before allowing him to visit her paradise. Muriel needs to find her peace in this decision; she needs to know that she will be his one and only, someone to cater to her love. If she doesn't have that, then there's no need for him in her life. She can't be more direct than this; she is a woman who knows what she wants and does not need a companion to take her on a toll of deceitfulness for their personal gain. Such a versatile project with a little bit of everything; it's a great introduction to Muriel's catalog that I'm ecstatic to see what more she's has in store for the future.
All praise to Dustin Cavazos for helping lead this project to be such an incredible piece for Muriel to flourish her sound in from beginning to end. The production was soaring with her celestial vocals to be a safe haven during this listening experience. New fans over here on this side, and we can't wait to see what's next for her. We highly recommend you check out this EP here while sharing it around on all social media platforms.