Album Review: Yo Miestro - "Nostalgia"

By Julian Cuebas

Clever, cocky, somber, and insightful. The versatility of Yo Miestro and BJ the Drummer’s collaborative project “NOSTALGIA” offers these feelings and takes the listener on a trip through the pairs process. Artistic exploration is important, and the standout moments in this 15 track album come from experimentation.
 
Miestro and BJ focus on sample-based hip hop, curating an encouraging and easy to listen to ambience. Often combining 808’s with light wind instruments and chopped vocal samples. The sample at the beginning of “I Remember” is insightful and sets the tone for one of the most impactful tracks on the project.
 
The “Miestrology” movement that this rapper/entrepreneur has carved at a young age is a successful transition into an acceptance of self and encouragement of others. Miestro constantly seeks to be a better person and his tracks are often about reflection and self-awareness. He also mixes those themes with love songs and creates moments of pure relation with the listener.
 
The production also occasionally breaks away from mainstay hip-hop. On “No Thot No” he manages to use a classical piano riff that feels out of time and in sync simultaneously because his flow glues it together. He also weaves tight analogies often: “Green gonna come like it’s Gamora” that bar from “Where you From” had me laughing.
 
Overall this project offers an array of emotions and a look into the life of a growing artist. There is also a feature from local rapper Qualls that offers slur-to-staccato flows that reflect on old relationships. Check out Yo Miestro, his glow up is constant, and elevation consistent.

Standout Tracks: “Where you From”
                            “In Vain”
                             “I Remember”
                              “Running”
 
Favorite lyrics: “Love around here is a pitiful parody”
                         “Green gonna come like it’s Gamora.”

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