Eekwol

While Eekwol's new solo EP, Niso, opens on familiar ground, with a beat from brother Mils for "Something to Take Pride In," Eekwol uses the rest of this EP as a chance to explore what can come from the new sounds of other producers, including Merky Waters, Metty Dertmerchant and the Cold Red. It's as good a time as any for Eekwol to try something new. After all, since her last record, Eekwol has had a son, Keesik, and that influences much of what's found within. Over tribal drums that slowly build into a funky little rock jam, Eekwol expresses her love for her new child on "Keesik Song," and on chill album highlight "Ahtay Weecasin," she describes her post-partum depression. As well, the new mother has become even more concerned with "seven generation sustainability" and sprinkles the album with plenty of Cree. Niso is music for mature listeners and Eekwol offers a unique perspective within hip-hop, but since this is still hip-hop, she backs it all up with skills learned through years of experience performing and recording with Innersoulflow and solo. Short and to the point, Niso never wears out its welcome.