Futuristic - 'What More Could You Ask For?' (Album Review)

Emcee Futuristic, or Zach Beck, from Illinois and Arizona, couldn’t let the year slip by without a project so he’s released the What More Could You Ask For? EP. In safe independent fashion, Beck has added a few spiritual elements that go back to the essence of existence, particularly at the end, when he upholds life high above money and material gain in “Human Being.” Before that he shows love to those he’s been distanced from by work and success. Still he rejoices in making it, through struggle, to the celebration after reaching goals, and all the way to his appreciation for his fans. Beck does spend time strutting his stuff, and sections like “I Want It, I Get It” are simply fly jams just for fun, but little integrity is sacrificed in general. We might not be challenged to think outside the box or leave our comfort zones much, but again, Beck proves himself one of the best at making feel-good rap at this point in time. (3 out of 5 stars)   

What More Could You Ask For? 

Futuristic 

'As Seen On The Internet,' Futuristic is turning out to be a great in this era

As Seen On The Internet by Futuristic

Bloomington, Illinois to Tempe, Arizona emcee Futuristic (Zach Beck) has a new album out. Does anymore need to be said? The rising rap talent once again delivers in As Seen On The Internet, his seventh solo album (Aug 26, We’re The Future Records) and a very solid ensemble of rap songs indeed. He has some fun plus some bones to pick with friendly guest artist support, contemporary hip-hop production and like always, quality lyricism.

Futuristic is a grinder. His current, super nice flow that is quick, clean and rhyme-packed not to mention brain food for any rap lover is the product of years of development, exercise and fine-tuning on the eager vocalist’s part. He’s got a good balance of the serious and the zany here. As much as he goes wild, Futuristic also concentrates on sending memos to the people. He sharply tells off his nonbelievers with lots of bite, sense and knowledge but also encourages virtues of hardwork in “Time is Now” and “Do It” and technology portion control (if you will) in “No Service.”

Futuristic is joined by Hopsin, Devvon Terrell, Karmin and Goody Grace. The music features an assortment of synth instruments in modern beat arrangements and architecture with some careful, crowd-pleasing choruses, and the weaved in skits bring the comedy. Let’s face it. The guy did the right thing since dropping the party hearty Coast 2 Coast side tour album from last year, which was of course to sober up and make a project of substance to follow. His evolution is moving forward steadily and on schedule.

4 out of 5 stars