New Jersey’s self-proclaimed misfit REG MASON, invites us in for a worshipful exploration centered around themes of slow growth and opposition to instant gratification with his debut album, ‘TESTDRIVE’.
Throughout the ten-track journey, we will gain a deep understanding of the 24-year-old rapper’s battles and what life’s test drive has looked like thus far. Drawing strength from not only within, but the roots of his family tree, Mason triumphantly diminishes the intrusive thoughts that try to lead him astray from fully stepping into his calling as an artist. The innovative hip-hop production by fellow New Jersey native CURT captures an essence of nostalgia, inspired by the soundtrack of Mason’s early teenage years which consisted of countless hours spent submerging himself into the underground east coast/Midwest hip hop scene, from EL-P, Das Racist, Danny Brown and Freddie Gibbs.
“TESTDRIVE’ is a spiritual callback to my early years, while also focusing on how much I’ve changed,” Mason explains. “It’s about learning to appreciate the slower road because heaven knows this is not for the charts. TESTDRIVE’ is a Delorean with a V12 engine under the hood. She might look old and dusty but, once you sit inside, it’s a weighted experience.”
‘TESTDRIVE’ is made of two parts, Side-A (CHECKERBOARD!) and Side-B (CHESSBOARD’), reflective of the idea that checkers and chess share the same board, yet require different strategies and approaches.
Side-A opens with ‘marah’,’ a spitfire offering that was the catalyst to the album’s creation. The charismatic “CHECKERBOARD!” follows, leaning into the coming-of-age theme as it feeds into Mason’s desire to continuously evolve. “pa’ (interlude)” is an old-school hip-hop inspired track featuring Mason’s father, who urges him to “let his confidence ooze off his spirit,” a motif throughout the album. Following is ‘VAUXHALL’, a call out to the neighborhood in Union, NJ where he grew up, a place that historically was home to black residents prior to integration. Fan-favorite ‘STÉ’ feat. JTT concludes Side-A, which sees the proud New Jerseyans’ unbridled flow answer his own question, “am I willing to sacrifice my artist dream for a lover who doesn’t support my vision?”
Side-B shows the complexity of the album with more personal subject matter and sample-blending, introducing a more nuanced view of Mason. Kicking off with ‘CHESSBOARD’, over soulful instrumentation, Mason croons, “Remember underground apartments with my Mom, dog, that’s low living.” “fearful’ / MA’,” the album’s focus track, sees him battle his intrusive thoughts, with questions like “Will my dad be around when I finally make it?” His highly praised single “HANDSHAKES’,” featuring fellow New Jersey native GINI, serves as a nostalgic walk down memory lane. Following is the title track ‘TESTDRIVE!,’ which proves Reg’s prowess as an innovator, as he effortlessly raps over a psychedelic beat. The album concludes with ‘SEQUEL’, encapsulating the overall coming-of-age theme, and ultimately accepting the unknown.
A proven visceral storyteller by nature, ‘TESTDRIVE’ is a testament to Mason’s ability to craft a sonic world uniquely his own, solidifying himself as one to watch with his debut full-length offering of self-reflective, experimental hip-hop. Check out his epic offering below…
Must Listens: CHECKERBOARD!, VAUXHALL, TESTDRIVE
New Lease Music 