Bumps INF is a name on everybody’s radar the last couple years. Here we have his first full length release, and the title suits this album well. It’s evident from the opening lines of the intro that Bumps has no issue with transparency. He’s been through some hard painful things in life but uses them as a testament to God’s grace and mercy. Without giving away too many details. the brother has been through some stuff. God Bless him and his family. Here are some of my thoughts on  this album

After the intro, which was synth horn and rapid hi hat heavy, I expected a similar beat theme for "Let's Roll", but was pleasantly surprised by the laid back feel of this track. Bumps rides the beat well also showing some versatility in his cadence. Nice work. I can’t lie, the theme of "Hebrews" loses me a little bit but I think its a reflection on the themes written in the book of Hebrews. His lyrics are chock full of Christ glorifying sentiment and praise for the hereafter. AD3 adds a nice hook which I am humming daily!

"Long Road" is a standout track for me, the beat is dark, and keeps your head nodding. Bumps rides this mid tempo beat nicely. You can feel his desperation and pain throughout the track as he shares some painful things from his life, but by the end that desperation is replaced with him giving up his sufferings at the Holy Throne. One of the best tracks on the album easily. On "Shunned By Society", Bumps does something I never heard anyone do. He finds compassion for social outcasts responsible for tragic events like Columbine and humbly admits we all play a role in these horrible events. Wow, folks don’t want to hear that kind of stuff but it is truth. 

The title track "Pain In Paragraphs" features strong efforts by both Bizzle and Redd Lettaz. One thing which is noticeably absent from this album is a lot of Bizzle. He floats in an out, a hook here a verse there. I think in terms of branding this is brilliant! This is definitely Bumps moment, and he holds his own very well on this album. By far, my favorite track on this albums is "What If" featuring Mac the Doulos. Bumps and Mac complement each other very well. The metaphor of our lives being comparable to words on a page is strong on this track. For a while before I read the playlist I thought it was the title track! Mac’s verse make me wish we heard more from him on a regular basis.

There are some tracks unfortunately that I believe are filler though; songs like "Let Em Talk" and "Martyr Me" tap into that popular slowed down 808 bass type sound. I think Bumps INF’s voice is an ill fit for these type of beats, but his grittiness and somewhat nasal vocal tone is better suited to more uptempo beats or loop driven beats in my opinion. I think the 808 swallows his voice up a little bit.

As a debut album for Bumps INF and a sophomore release for a young label God Over Money, this album is excellent. I hope Bumps continues to hone his craft and give God all the Glory.

Categorical Ratings Breakdown:

Originality/Creativity: 3/5
Lyrics/ Delivery: 3.5/5
Beat Selection/production: 3.5/5
Concept/Arrangement: 3.5/5

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