Cormega, Mega (EP) | Album Review 💿

Underrated, incredibly gifted, veteran New York rapper Cormega “shines bright like a diamond” on his seven-song EP, Mega.

Rappers aren’t hard to come by – there’s an overabundance to be honest.  What is hard to come by are rappers that take it to the next level and showcase true artistry.  Veteran rapper Cormega does that from start to finish on his EP, Mega.  There’s never any doubt that he’s ‘that guy’ on the EP. He didn’t need to prove anything, but he certainly does prove or confirm he’s a seasoned vet who is heads and tails above so much less worthy fluff that gets more spins. It’s a shame, but hey, I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been guilty of neglecting talent truly deserving wider recognition. Among those is Cormega, who truly “shines bright like a diamond” on Mega.

“Say No More”

Mega commences with “Say No More” – an intro, in essence. “Say No More” runs just north of one-minute-and-a-half.  Though brief, it’s quite potent, with Cormega setting the tone, rapping with the confidence and swagger of a true veteran of the game.  In addition to blessing the track with his impeccable flow and poetic and sophisticated wordplay (“No army formed against me shall prosper / Especially not yours, I stand up, you got weak posture”), he’s further lifted by gorgeous, lush production (STREETRUNNER).

The excellence established on “Say No More” continues on the full-length ✓ “On Everything (I Try).” Here, Cormega continues to ‘kill it,’ asserting quite the artistic presence without ever forcing things.  What I love is how much weight is put on the lyricism of the verses.  “Then I remember the accursed serpent who slithers has wicked ways in every page of scripture,” he spits masterfully on the first verse, adding “I’m more cerebral, less impulsive, thoughts are deeper / The abyss of contemplation, lost thinkers,” on the second verse.  He certainly doesn’t lie about being cerebral, which is evident in how he crafts and connects his lyrics.  He also manages a simple but catchy chorus out of it (“I give it how I live it on everything I try”), though again, it’s those verses where that decadence lies.

“Live Your Best Life”

STREETRUNNER continues to give Cormega production work that captures the East Coast sound. The music on ✓ “Live Your Best Life” is luxurious and radiant, but anchored by an aggressive, knocking, and punchy beat.  This is perfect fuel for the fire, setting up well for Havoc who ‘goes off’ on the first verse:

“I been done with the soft approach
I been shinin’, I don’t need to put another coat
So, hang yourself, I give these niggas just enough rope
I swear these niggas be doin’ the most.”

After he closes the first verse with a bomb, Cormega comes out with reflection and prudence on the chorus, before going H.A.M. in his own regard.

“Never weak-minded, Mega unique style is elite
I’m the cream of the crop, I keep risin’
Though the beast conspires against those bearing supreme likeness
Feared for sheer characteristics
Is it revered by savages, is it?”

Ah, who needs hooks, right? On “Genuine Article,” Cormega gives us only one verse and guess what? That sole verse on this brief joint more than suffices.  “Genuine Article” more than exhibits the rapper flaunting and flexing prodigious lyrical skills that few contemporary rappers could come close to rivalling. Listening to “Genuine Article,” like Mega (EP) as a whole, feels and sounds totally right.

“Empty Promises”

On ✓ “Empty Promises,” the production should sound quite familiar – it appeared previously on “Say No More.” That’s a win considering how accomplished the backdrop truly is.  While “Say No More” was a savvy opening statement from Mega, “Empty Promises” is even better and fully developed.  Rather than just one verse, we’re blessed with two.  Both find Cormega on autopilot, rapping with incredible comfort and ease, seemingly never breaking a sweat yet potent AF. And, for those who love a good hook, well, we get it here without dare compromising or selling short the high-flying stature of the verses:

“Say what you mean and mean what you say
Empty promises hold no weight
Measure pros and cons
Always show regard to those who show love, talk less, and listen more.” 

Penultimate record ✓ “City of God” maintains the ‘high flying’ status of Mega – there is no let-up whatsoever. Boxes continue to be ticked: Shimmering production and compelling bars and flows, including a woke Sheek Louch feature.  While “City of God” doesn’t have mainstream rap ambitions, again, the listener gets a bonus with a memorable chorus.  Mega closes on a high note as well with the reflective “Fast Livin.”  Once more, the rhymes are spot-on, the flow biting and engaging, anchored by dramatic, moody production work.

Final Thoughts

As aforementioned, rappers are in an overabundance while rap artists showcasing a level of true artistry is much rarer.  With that being the case, Cormega is a rare one, who shares his gifts masterfully on Mega. Of the seven songs, he never misses the mark – all are worthwhile, championship contenders.  After being challenged to review Mega (EP), I will say I’m so glad to receive such a musical blessing to my ears.

✓ Gems: “On Everything (I Try),” “Live Your Best Life,” “Empty Promises” & “City of God”

Cormega • Mega (EP) • Release: 4.10.20

Photo Credit: Cormega Music