Things done changed for Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire. Much like the classic Biggie line regarding Loretta Wallace's breast cancer, eXquire got off his tour with Killer Mike in support of the Power & Passion EP to find out his mom had cervical cancer. So don't ask him why he's motherfucking stressed.
In an interview with Interview, eXquire announced a new-found sobriety and intent to only record when he felt spiritually inclined to do so. He also critiqued his Power & Passion EP for intentionally miming his major label peers of “not saying shit”. It's rare for an artist to openly speak on past work and shortcomings, but by observing the self eXquire has returned to his sterling state on “Noble Drew Ali”. On the lead single from the upcoming Kismet mixtape, eXquire has Fred Hampton speeches on his iPod and a pissy disposition for adversaries. If there was ever a time to revisit the Biggie comparisons, it's on “Noble Drew Ali”. The track feels like an extension of “Things Done Changed” from eXquire's learning curve of making it in rap, “money don't change who you are / amplify the shit” , to the final statement of his opening speech, “conflicted as Flavor Flav / gaffled in this shameless game / nine chains on my neck / you can weigh my pain”.
Kismet drops later this month, while news of a proper full length on Universal is uncertain with eXquire stating he's completed one to two tracks towards the record. He also dropped a loosie produced by Bowery Beats entitled, “Draped In Gold”.
