Published on September 25, 2020: Lyrics by eLZhi “Seven Times Down Eight Times Up” Produced by JR Swiftz, Released by Fat Beats Records via Los Angeles, California.
Light One Write One is one of the stand out tracks on the album. The production and the rhyme flow, confirming eLZhi is no doubt the rappers rapper! “I hope that you teachin’ your kids the worth that they have when they don’t have money,” a chilling line from Potential, something like an ode to haters. Zhi calls out people from the past who didn’t believe in his craft, and people who doubted or laughed at him. It’s obvious his success is his greatest revenge. Then again, every rapper deserves a track to call out those who doubted. However, it’s not a diss song. It’s a proclamation of success built on hard work.
GOD is another track that speaks to that dark humor. The entire track is a play on words. For religious folks, God is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, the wordplay and message of this song is a challenge, not just to Christians, but to society as a whole. In the chorus, they ask, “What is it you stand for, GOD, Gold over Diamonds, GOD….” and I think the meaning is that in life, often, we seek everything BUT God (whatever God is to you).
Fat Beats Records Release Notes: Elzhi, the “Syllable Sensei,” is back again with a highly anticipated release titled “Seven Times Down Eight Times Up,” This 12-track LP is a collage of memories and metaphors layered atop beats crafted by up-and-coming producer JR Swiftz. With collabs from Detroit artists, Monica Blaire and Fes Rock on two of the album’s stand-out tracks, Elzhi’s new masterpiece showcases his ability to create meaningful concepts while Detroit’s own comedian and “Real Hip Hop Advocate” Foolish provides commentary throughout the album.
Give “Seven Time Down Eight Times Up” a listen. Something like timely music that we didn’t know we needed, eLZhi gives us thought provoking stories and scenery, a little sprinkle of comedy and of course bars and word-play. A positive raw project, plus the chill vibe is a win. BNR has been supporting eLZhi since the beginning. Please let us know what you think.