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.
Tone’s self-released Hors D’Oeuvres EP is now available for stream and purchase through iTunes and all major digital retailers and streaming platforms…bon appétit. And as an added bonus, be sure to check out Tone’s visuals for “’97 Sh*t.” Stay tuned to HHS1987 for all your new music. Follow @eldorado2452 on Twitter and Instagram for all your music and entertainment news.
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