A Review of Modern Flows Vol. 2

Marquis Hill’s Modern Flows Vol. 2 is a perfect demonstration of the continuously blurred lines between Hip Hop and Jazz. With powerful baselines and drumbeats paired with the vibraphone heard throughout the album, we are constantly reminded of the of the similarity between Hip Hop and jazz today. We also see social commentary dotted throughout the album from Rappers Brandon Alexander Williams and M’reld Green, such as in “ego vs spirit” that forces you to consider your own actions and selfishness.

With hard hitting bass and strong drums, this album is constantly drawing a link between hip hop and jazz. This is most notable in the vibraphone, that often plays repeating phrases as though it is the melody of a rap beat. At the start of “The Watcher” we are greeted with one such repeating phrase. This leads into the bass and drums, creating a very Hip-Hop style sound, whilst on jazz instruments. This strong link to Hip Hop is something that is very common in jazz today, however, in this album it is done so well and in an entirely new way.

Perhaps one of the best parts of this album is the way different pieces seem to have a motif. Often at the start of a song we’ll hear a melody played by the lead. If you listen, you can often hear these melodies played by different instruments throughout the rest of the piece. This really brings each song together and gives them an individual identity.

It goes without saying that there are some incredible instrumentalists on this album. Each player seems to understand each other in a deep way. Whenever the bass and horns are leading up to something and building tension, the rest of the band seems follow in a way that only a truly incredible band would. Not only is there this connection within the band, but each individual member has incredible skill. Each solo is something spectacular, whether it’s vibraphone or trumpet. One such solo is on “Ego vs. Spirit” where Marquis Hill creates an incredibly expansive sound, and at one point, joins in on the bass’s part, playing the same melody. Even as the trumpet solo builds intensity, we still hear the backing instruments often joining in on each other’s parts.

Of course, you could not write a review of this album without discussing the social commentary it presents. In “It Takes a Village” Brandon Williams makes acute observations about black America. He considers the problems that black Americans face with such eloquence that one can’t help but think. This is something that Hip Hop has often done, and in fact, black music in general. In “Prayer for the People” M’reld Green makes a reference to Billie Holiday’s 1965 song “Strange Fruit”. This is a powerful song about the lynching that happened around that time. Despite this refer​ence to a dark time in black America’s past, M’reld Green’s lyrics speak of hope and optimism, saying “our people will continue to move and progress.”

Overall, Modern Flows Vol.2 is an intricate combination of genres, that takes the rhythm and melodic structure of Hip Hop and infuses it with the harmonies and instrumentation of jazz. With on point social commentary and smooth expansive sounds, Modern Flow Vol.2 gets a 9/10.