I am really a huge fan of hip hop, more specifically, underground/alternative/emo/indie hip hop.  So when I find artists like New York City’s Ralphy Boy, you can only imagine the excitement that comes over me.  The rapper’s full length album, Hear Me, Feel Me, was released this past January.  All eleven tracks display an emcee full of confidence and poise.  There are those moments in the album, moments where Ralphy Boy becomes vulnerable and raps about the breakdowns rather than the high life, where we see some of his best work.

Hear Me, Feel Me opens with the track “How You Like Me Now?”  Piano sounds and consistant beats begin the track, Ralphy Boy comes in and the track immediately becomes an anthem for what he has become.  As the album progresses, I quickly become a fan of Ralphy’s delivery and whole persona.  The album flows well, “Tell Me,” “Fly Shit Talk,” and “Kings Game” all show the confidence the young emcee has while never crossing that too arrogant line. “I don’t lift weights nigga/I’m powerful,” he raps on “Kings Game.”  What most may critique as a vibe or swagger, Ralphy proves to be passion and ambition. 

“Peep Game” is just as it sounds.  A track aimed at someone who should feel honored for Ralphy’s attention, probably the most mainstream track on the album as the rapper talks about money and flashing what he has.  I’m going to make an assumption that Ralphy Boy pulls hoes, “Get It” and “I Bet” quickly become tracks for the female audience.  They’re upbeat, dance around songs with lyrics you may be able to recite while talking to that girl at the bar.  “Said She” follows and instantly this is a stand out track for my ears.  A fun beat, the track is slowed down and Ralphy’s voice fits perfectly.  The lyrics are about a girl he has become out of the ‘friendzone’ with, unfortunately, (hold on to your seats) Ralphy gets rejected.  His vulnerable side may be his best side, lyrics like “See you thought of you/I thought of us/Guess I wasn’t the dude you thought I was/Wasn’t feelin’ me/Yeah an average joe/Who showed his feelings/then you had to go” are the type of lines getting stuck in my head after a play of this album.
“The Heartbreak” is another stand out track, talking to a female who has gotten involved with the wrong type of guys.  “Stone Cold” is lyrically phenomenal and has some pretty cool drum kit sounds in the intro and throughout the track.  Hear Me, Feel Me closes with “LAWD,” another lyrically complex track that puts the perfect nightcap to an overall great full length.

In a hip hop scene that’s over produced and far too flashy, Ralphy Boy brings a sound and production that is refreshing and unique without losing his true rap and hip hop roots.  From lust and love, to heartbreak, to making a name for yourself, Ralphy Boy shows with Hear Me, Feel Me that he is quickly becoming a household name to be reckoned with. 
www.itsralphybaby.com



-rooka