Backpack Beatz – Mochilla – Album Review

Backpack Beatz released his first rap album under his current name “Mochilla”. For any of you Spanish speakers you will notice that the title is spanish for backpack. Backpack takes the word and pronounces it “Moe – Chill – A”. This goes a long way towards describing the somber feeling of the album.

Backpack Beatz is a Producer/ Rapper/DJ from Pensacola, Florida. The first time I met Backpack was in 2011. At that time he was rapping under the

name “Livin Proof” and producing under Backpack Beatz. I heard his first released at that time, a project called “Ramen and Fruit Punch“. Backpack produced this entire album himself. You can easily compare him to other producer/rappers such as Kanye West, Big K.R.I.T. , and J. Cole.

On “Ramen and Fruit Punch” Backpack had a sound reminiscent of Kanye West on “College Dropout“. The beats were all outstanding Backpack stayed in pocket and delivered memorable punchlines. This was a very solid debut project in my opinion.

Now since the release of Ramen and Fruit Punch, Backpack Beatz has retired the name “Livin Proof“. He has focused more on beat production instead of rapping. We saw him producing albums for artists like Crimson (of Capital 6), Nate Wattz, and C-Red. Backpack also received some placements on Pro Era tracks.

Unfortunately, we have gone four years without Backpack releasing a rap project. I always thought Backpack Beatz was a talented rapper and wanted to hear more from him. In late 2014 Backpack dropped a new song featuring himself rapping once again, “Inshallah“. This song instantly became my new favorite song from Backpack Beatz. The instrumental was hard hitting and the lyrics are incredible. This got me really excited that I might get a new rap album from Backpack Beatz.

My wish was granted, In late 2015 Backpack Beatz rather suddenly released Mochilla. Thankfully, I can say Mochilla is exactly the album I wanted from Backpack.

The album has a really laid back feeling.The beats have a heavy boom bap influence, and once again remind me of early Kanye West production. Though you could compare this sound to other producers like Q-Tip, Pete Rock, or even 9th Wonder.

Even though the production style is nothing ground breaking and unexpected, Backpack delivers a high level of execution on the project. Beat after beat are expertly crafted, mixed, and layered. The album has an amazing atmosphere that is only possible because of the high degree of excellence backpack approaches his beats with.

Even though the album mostly features album focus mostly on smooth low key beats (think Tribe Called Quest). Bangers like “#BackpackSeason” and “Get Up On Your Job” will get you hype and change the pace of the album up.

The album contains quite a few features. Most of the features are names from the Tallahassee hip-hop scene. J-See, Nate Watts, Crimson, and C-Red amongst others grace the album with dope verses.

C-Red brings a smooth and controlled verse on “Shine” where Backpack and C-Red explain how they come correct on mics. “One for the Treble” features Nate Watts and J.See. This is an interesting track which features a countdown. Then the emcees relate their verses to numbers. This reminds me of something Wu-Tang would do. I don’t know if this was meant to relate to divine mathematics, but it definitely felt like it.Overall I would say the features on the album were excellent.

I’m going to say that Backpack Beatz delivers some amazing lyrics on this album. He gets incredibly personal on the album. He also talks about his position in “life’s dreams for the future”, and his insecurities. For example “Murray’s Pomade“, one of my favorite songs on the album is an really interesting track. Here Backpack is talking about his struggles growing hair, this story is really personal and hilarious.

“When that S curl stay up in your head too long. I was hot off the dome, but wasn’t writing a song.”

As a black man with difficult hair to style, I feel where Backpack is coming from. Black guys never talk about their hair like that, and it made the song really memorable and personal.

I also have to talk about ” Inshallah “. This was the first song I heard off the album, and to this day this track still gets me excited. Backpack Beatz delivers dope bars throughout the track. With a smooth down tempo beat, a wandering saxophone, some synth piano chords, the beat sounds deep and layered. This track reminds me a bit of “The Vent” (my favorite Big Krit song). Every time the chorus comes ups up it almost gives me chills.

I tried to get verses from my pastor. Talking to my mamma she said go get you masters, but I got these beats and this mic I’m trying to master.

I think this song shows backpack at his best. Backpack tends to focus on punchline being smoothed and relaxed. This compliments his smooth jazz and funk inspired instrumentals. On this track every element of Backpacks style works at its best.If you only listen to one track from Backpack, I would suggest this one.

Even though “Inshallah“, and “Murray’s Pomade” standout as the best tracks on the track listing. I feel the whole album is exceedingly excellent. There are no skippable tracks on this album. Every track is a good listen. Backpack traditionally has high standards for himself, and this album demonstrates that. The album is smooth, fun, personal, and interesting. For anyone who is a fan of Boom Bap, Classic Kanye West, or Big Krit. I have a hard time seeing why you wouldn’t like what Backpack is doing with his project Mochila. The album is “pay what you want” you have no reason to at least not give it a try.

Get The Project Here: holasoybackpack.bandcamp.com/album/mochilla

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