I remember back when I first started writing for Lyrical, I would peruse the internet and various social media platforms in order to figure out what I wanted to write about. It wasn’t always easy because sure, people are dropping music every day, but if it’s not someone I believe in or actually enjoy, I struggle to even attempt to write about them because I try and show love to the people that I really do appreciate, respect, and believe in, so the early days were sometimes a struggle.
MBNel was one of the first artists that I can remember actually being sent my way from one of my homies in the industry, and while it admittedly took a few listens for me to completely get into his sound, I was captivated by his story and the obvious persevering strength that he has demonstrated after the hardships he has faced throughout his upbringing. I mean, Stockton, California isn’t an easy place to grow up around from what I’ve heard from countless people, and while more often than not the stories are less successful and more painful, Nel wanted to be one of the people to make a positive narrative out of one that could’ve easily gone the opposite direction.
This shines through in his music constantly, with his most recent release “Ransom” serving as another blank canvas for him to paint with his talents as well as the tales that have stuck with him throughout the years. Produced by Dvosk and Evan, Nel uses this versatile beat to play to his strengths thanks to a mix of trap-inspired instruments combined with the classic bounce of west coast music we all know and love.
As expected but never unappreciated, he goes into even more tales of struggles and adversities, sharing his real-life experience with listeners in a way that feels like a documentary without ever sacrificing his talents for even a second. The SKIIIMOBB-directed visual adds even more electricity to this offering, making it something you need to tap in with as soon as you get the chance.