“My goal for this project is to show you who the f*ck I am. The production is monumental, the lyrics and track concepts are cinematic, and this is truly the beginning of a legendary duo in Hip-Hop.”—Tone Atlas on his new album with producer Elemnt, Water to Wine

When listening to Water to Wine, Tone Atlas’s passion is not only evident but it’s palpable. The Syracuse, NY native raps with a fervor reserved typically for artists either just starting out or trying to stage a comeback. But for Tone, it’s just part of his appeal—his artistry is incredibly important to him, and his output is all the better for it.

On his follow-up to last year’s well received Hors D’Oeuvres EP, the emcee opted to team up with a sole producer—the superbly gifted Elemnt—for the entirety of Water to Wine. That fact alone lends an innate cohesion to the album, and it also allowed for Tone to focus more on his pen game and bring some of the sharpest bars of his career.

As Tone tells it, “Once the process started and we began building our relationship, it became clear that not only would this project be produced entirely by EL but that I found my new partner in rhyme.”

The result is a focused and engaging listen that flows naturally from one track to the next, even as Tone is tackling varied subject matter. Armed with bars that’d make Ghostface and Raekwon proud, the New York rapper roundhouse kicks his opponents on “Haters,” takes a deep breath on the more thoughtful and atmospheric “Stranger Things,” and goes full-on beast mode on “Savages,” alongside Benny.

It’s all part of Tone and Elemnt’s plans for their artistry, which centers on capturing the magic of the golden era while propelling it forward to the modern day. “There are fans of Hip-Hop that never left, and a constantly growing fanbase that wants and craves THIS sound, myself included,” Tone says. “That classic sound is bubbling back.”

The post Listen to New Music From Tone Atlas – ‘Water to Wine’ (Album Stream) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Fiercely independent and gifted rapper Tone Atlas follows up last year’s fantastic Death Of A Salesman with a cinematic and gripping new EP, Hors D’Oeuvres. It’s one of the Syracuse, N.Y. native’s finest works to date, and he’s only just getting started.

Right from the jump, Tone makes his feelings clear with a spoken-word piece inspired by classic HBO film, Gotti. Before passionately rapping over the piano-laced beat that serves as the EP’s theme, he addresses the lack of timeless Hip-Hop being released, in a generation where new artists hop from one trend to the next.

With such an introduction, you’d almost expect a miserly and aggravated approach from Tone on here. Instead, he sounds inspired and hungry while tackling a variety of topics. He speaks on the issues facing his hometown of Syracuse (“The Coldest Winter” feat. Will McGrady, Banko Fresh & Rashad), the importance of being true to yourself (“‘97 Sh*t”), and never selling your soul for profit (“Madness”).

“As long as I’m making music and I’m in this industry, I won’t create anything that doesn’t represent me,” Tone says of his bars on “Madness.” He recognizes that being independent is one of the most difficult things to do in his industry, simply because there’s limited money and resources to get a project off the ground.

There are a lot of talented people in this world who will never be heard,” he adds. “I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in.

Tone’s position is one of an underground force in Hip-Hop, and in case you’re wondering, yes, the name Hors D’Oeuvres indeed points to this project being an appetizer for a full-length album. But before then, Tone has plans to drop another EP, which will have a single producer and its own concept. Stay tuned.

The post New Music: Tone Atlas – Hors D’Oeuvres (EP Stream & Video) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.