The rapper and sonic artist known as
Nina Maria has released a new, full-length album, titled, “From My
Upbringing.” The record contains no fewer than 28 tracks for a
grand total of approximately two hours' listening time. It has been
proudly published on the Coinxiding Arts Entertainment independent
record label. Bringing together the synth beats of hip hop and the
earnestness of spoken-word poetry, “From My Upbringing” is a rare
delivery of truth from this inimitable artist from Missouri.
“From My Upbringing” is not simply
music. In addition to rapping that comes off-the-cuff as naturally as
breathing, Nina Maria's new album has elements of improvisational
jazz which make it remarkable as fine, sonic art. It is plainly real.
The artist does not pretend, posture, or pose, neither coats, nor
gilds, nor adorns these words. The result is a collection of
stream-of-consciousness English which describes this thinking,
feeling person in as clear and direct a manner as language can make
possible.
The bitter circumstances which make
this possible are several, but largely it is the creative method of
the artist which makes this record the thing of beauty that it is.
Every one of Nina Maria's lyrics are improvised. The recordings are,
therefore, live performances.
“I freestyle all my songs now,” the
artist writes, “because I have schizo-effective disorder. I also
make all my beats.”
The story leading up to this legitimate
work of genius describes (and is not limited to) graduating high
school with a 5.0 GPA via advanced-placement classes, a tour with the
US Marines as a computer systems specialist, an abusive relationship,
a stint of homelessness, and an ongoing battle with schizophrenia.
– And as stated, this is not nearly
the entire story: “I was misidentified by someone from a shooting
in the [Columbia, MO] area. I was arrested and up against 30 years. I
took a plea when the number got to four [years] because I knew they
were trying to hang me out to dry. I did two inside and walked down
two years' parole. By God's grace He got me back to Eolia.”
Nina Maria responded to this
maltreatment by releasing four digital albums. “From My Upbringing”
is merely the latest in a repertoire which includes also 2014's
“Santa Maria's Corruption” and “By the Way,” published only
last spring. Each has been made available online worldwide and is
categorized as rap and spoken-word poetry.
Maria cites as main artistic influences
Beethoven, Stevie Wonder, the Isley Brothers, DJ Paul, and a Tribe
Called Quest.
Asked to comment on the themes and
messages of “From My Upbringing,” Nina Maria writes, “No matter
who you are, we all go through ups and downs and struggle.”
“From My Upbringing” by Nina Maria
is a glorious celebration of individuality, the naked sound of a
person skilled in rhythm and rhyme speaking thoughts in song. It is a
representation not just of Nina Maria, but of us all, and it deserves
much praise and attention.
Nina Maria's “From My Upbringing”
is available online worldwide.
-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer
www.MondoTunes.com
Nina Maria's “From My
Upbringing” –
Website –
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