Strange Music has the independent music scene by the neck. As album sales decline and the likelihood of surviving as an independent artists lessens by the day, Tech N9ne and Travis O’Guin‘s Missouri imprint has thrived. Through a fiercely loyal fan base and year round touring, Cognito has been slowly introduced to the Strange Music supporters. His album, Automatic, is now another release that Strange Music pushes forward with hopes of a continued success.
The world is introduced to Cognito on “I’m Going Crazy.” The production is stellar and instantly the listener understands that Cognito possesses a gift lyrically and vocally. His confident-but-aggressive delivery is top notch and stellar lyricism supports his cause. “I’m Going Crazy” is as good as it gets from hook to verse. It’s a great lead track that captivates the listener instantly. “Outcast,” the album’s lead single, follows the stellar “I’m Going Crazy.” “Outcast” features the album’s best production and arguably Cognito’s most honest and telling lyrics. When he finishes the first verse with, “In 50 years when I look back at my past / All that I want is for both of my daughters to be proud of their dad / What else do I have?” You see an artist who is grinding and creating for the right reasons. Quite simply, “Outcast” is a diverse addition to the Strange Music cannon.
The listener could say that the album peeks early, but with two great tracks leading off the album, it allows the listener to invest into the rest of the album. “Hip Hop” is plagued by a poor hook and a tired concept, even though it features an always-welcomed B-Legit verse. “Pill Poppin’ Music” is an Eminem-esque track which unfortunately doesn’t live up to the expectations. The topic, which can tend to get tired and repetitive, is exactly that. The album then hits its absolute low point with “Seven School Sins.” Here, Cognito went right with honest lyricism and dope production on “Outcast” he goes wrong with juvenile lyrics over shaky production. This track along with the failed Eminem impression on “Me Be Me” is where the album sinks.
The project is constantly balancing between these two extremes. When Cognito settles in, the middle with tracks like “Born to Be Fly,” you see an emcee who could have a radio hit. “Depression” is another more intimate look into Cognito’s existence while “Hollywood” sees the emcee get absolutely busy on the track showing off his multi-syllable rhyme schemes and wordplay. “I Live My Life” fails to be original and will ultimately get Eminem comparisons, and “I’m So High” provides the listener with a skip moment. The album finishes with superb crew track, “Stranger.” The production is solid and each emcee rises to the occasion and leaves his blood and sweat on a track blessed by hungry label-mates.
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Cognito’s introduction to the world is ultimately a success. Though Automatic has its blunders, its high points allow the artist to soar. With a little time and maturation, Cognito could easily bring a more polished album to the table next go round. With a successful label backing him, and a commitment to tour, Cognito has the potential to be the next big artist not named Tech 9ne bearing the Strange Music emblem.
