Thinking back as long as maybe 5 or 6 years ago, Slingshot Music has been pushing music to the ear of a large number of people that enjoy Gospel rap. Whether it be a mixtape or album from anyone on their roster, the crew has always put quality, God- glorifying music out consistently. So when the whole situation with Universal went down, many wrote them, and more specifically Yaves Ellis, off. But alas, though I’m certain egos were bruised and plans were recast, Yaves is back to make sure his presence is felt. In Summer’s Ear is the newest sampler sized project from the Columbus vet, let’s see if it’s worth the listen.

1. In Summer’s Ear: I actually like this song a lot, from the track to Yaves’ lyrical approach to the video that brought this to life. To say he’s back is overstatement, but I can hear a new focus on this track from Mr. Ellis.  There are gems laced throughout this song, and the arrangement is nice to the point where what would be the hook is right before Cornell West drops some knowledge.

2. Something’s Wrong: Arguably my favorite song ever from Yaves, partially due to the marriage of his unique flow and the creative instrumental. Yav speaks on bringing truth and hope in surroundings of improper ambition and counter productivity. His aim is to turn the lights on and flip the summer on its ear as he wants to show he isn’t the “underdog” (ironic since his first album is entitled The Underdog’s Anthem). Very solid track that gets multiple replays from me.

3. Air x Heir: Yaves gets things going with a layered metaphor as he speaks boldly about the privilege of being an heir in Christ. Basically, he wants to be clear that whatever the world sees as accomplishment or status, pales in comparison to he who follows the King. The track for this one has a certain commercial bounciness to it, including a slightly slowed and chopped hook. Nothing special from a musical standpoint but fits what Yav wanted to do with the subject at hand..

4. AC: I know the Midwest has some humidity but I don’t think Columbus is seeing Dallas in that department! But I digress; this is another top notch track from music to hooks and verses. Yaves brings out his double time flow in spots here and it meshes well with the saxophone and guitar laden sample. This one is definitely a ride- worthy cut, so get the windows down if there are any 80 degree days left in your locale

5. Boxxed In: Perfect for the barbecues, Yaves speaks to the box that the hood can be to its natives. Bringing some ghetto commentary to the table, Yaves speaks on the grim prospects that often face those stuck in the trap. Yav makes his message clear as the song closes, he’s prepared and positioned to bring the Gospel to help open the box. One thing that about this track is the hook and adlibs from the singer; he did alright in spots but was big overbearing in certain spots. Still a good song overall.

6. Yayo Remix feat. Fly Boy: First off, I don’t know what the original sounds like, but I doubt it matters because I’m not really feeling the beat. Fly Boy seems to have some potential, I look forward to hearing more from him, but he lost me when he threw out the “swag” after one of his bars. Yav proves he can handle most any type of track and commands the flow as he basically makes it clear why he is not “them”.

7. Headlines Freestyle: Another remix of a popular track, this was the first song that many heard from Yaves since the situation with Universal was explained. Obviously ready to move on from that chapter, Yaves shows some hunger on this track, while also showing that he’s okay. Yav mixes up the shock value punchlines with some philosophical ones and makes a good song here.

Categorical Ratings Breakdown:

Originality/ Creativity (3.5/5): Yaves in and of himself as an artist is a one of a kind type of artist. The reason I'm only going above average on creativity here is that no new ground was broken with this project from an overall musical standpoint. There's definitely a certain refocused feel to Yaves' flow though, and it definitely gives us an indicator that he is stronger for his trials.

Lyrics (4/5): I probably will be a broken record for each review I do of his project because I remain impressed that dude doesn't write. Now, to be clear, any rapper can go off the dome but not many can remain coherent while doing so. Yaves definitely remains coherent as he navigates different rhyme schemes and subject matter with efficiency.

Delivery (4/5): This part is interesting because Yaves' delivery is the same from a technical sense that is has been, not speaking of the obvious improvements most rappers undergo from project to project. The depth in his delivery has increased, in my opinion, and I feel that Yav is going beyond just rapping his heart out to rapping from the soul. Attribute that to whatever you may, but this Yaves definitely is why Summer had to listen.

Beat Selection/ Production (3/5): Though this project is only 7 songs in length, I still have to look at the beat selection pretty closely here. What I see is a combination of great choices ("Something's Wrong", "AC", "Boxxed In") and some decent to mediocre ones ("Air x Heir", "Yayo Remix"). The margin for error is narrow here so that leads me to the average mark in this category.

Concept/ Arrangement (3/5): The idea of getting the attention of summer is not overdone in the metaphorical since that was used here, so that isn't being overlooked here. I have to look more along the lines of the arrangement here, being that there is a certain random feel to the project (not a negative) after the first couple tracks. I know this is partially due to Yaves really trying to just get some things off his chest outside of a formal format (we'll wait on Favor Over Fury for that), so no real knock there. 

ISE is a solid project that left me anticipating more from the Slingshot camp in the not too distant future. Whether he chooses to whisper in the ears of the other 3 seasons or get straight to Favor Over Fury, this project was AC cool in hot summer months. Yaves Ellis never really left, he refocused, and this free project is worth a good listen to experience that.

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