Andy Mineo is one of the best rappers in the game and especially in the Christian Hip Hop genre.
I’ve been a big fan of Andy’s since his mixtape Formerly Known. His flow stood out and the variety of styles he used as well. He was one of the few Christian MCs to use a boom-bap style beat. As my preferred style of production, anytime I can hear someone flow well over those beats, I’m interested.
Andy has put out a number of full length LPs, but lately he’s been doing more EPs and mixtapes. His latest, Happy Thoughts, is another EP. This one has 7 tracks with a number of quality guest appearances. I’m a big fan of this project and I’ll highlight my favorite/best 3 tracks.
Before I share my 3 pics, I want to acknowledge the GREAT production throughout the EP. Truly every beat is top quality.
That said, on to my favorites.
Willy (with nobigdyl)
I’m putting this first because it stands out from the other tracks in the project. Most of the EP has an underground/backpack style of production; more minimal, melodic almost production. This track is not at all like that. It is very much a radio friendly pop type of sound.
Nobigdyl is just PERFECT for this track. He brings a fun and playfulness that only he can. He also brings a great verse, one of his best guest bars that I’ve heard. He is so good. When I heard the track for the first time, I thought it was from his project.
Andy also has a great verse, and brings the fun as well.
Lastly, if you get a chance, you should definitely watch the music video for this. I’m not a music video person, but this one matched the tone of the track and was VERY fun.
Mangia (Ramen and Rhymin’)
This is probably the best track on the EP. Not only is the production great, but there are two beat changes. Basically there is a beat for each verse. There is no guest appearance on this tack, but Andy’s wordplay, lyrics, and flow are more than enough to carry the track. The fact that each verse gets its own beat really gives this one a lot of energy throughout. As I mentioned in my Shiwan – Project 27 Recommendation, I’m a big fan of producers getting creative inside the same track.
Jackson Pollock
This is on the list as it’s all Andy. I love when a great MC just raps. I love great production, but I’m always waiting for an MC to just flex and show why he’s one of the best. Andy’s wordplay is top of the game and his change up of cadence throughout also shows he’s a true top MC. There is no chorus in this track and Andy flows for the complete duration of the track. The production is just a great bass line canvas for Andy to paint an amazing verbal picture.
I’m a fan of this project. I think Andy is one of the few MCs who I don’t think has ever put out a bad project. Not only that, I can’t think of a time he didn’t have a top quality verse on a track, his own or guest appearance. A true professional and great MC. Check it out on iTunes, Spotify, or any other streaming or digital platform.
That’s my take on the music tonight y’all. Lord willing, I’ll see you tomorrow.