In Memory Of...

The Yesmen’s Final Album Pays Tribute to Rapper Royal-T

Hip hop is one part of our local music scene here that has remained almost faithfully underground. This is cool in some ways but sort of sad in others, because there is some real talent represented in there that people might be missing out on, even before the shutdowns and lockdowns. The scene, however, is much appreciated, and among the latest additions is this new work from The Yesmen.

Made up of Nevamind (Chad Miles) and Royal-T (Travis Fleming), The Yesmen is both the name of the heavy-hitting duo themselves and the title of their final record that dropped on April 16. The two first met at a rap battle that Nevamind was judging and, since then, have collaborated and created an album a decade almost like clockwork. This latest project is the fourth Yesmen record and it’s been a hard-travelled road since finishing the recording in 2016, shortly before Royal-T’s untimely passing.

The project evolved into sort of musical therapy for both Royal-T in laying down the tracks, and for Nevamind in its production. The album is rich with the expression and creativity that one would expect, given where it’s coming from, and the skills, talent, and emotional investment make for an outstanding hip hop record and a worthy tribute. As far as the process goes, Nevamind is quick to point out that he stayed true to the original tracks to keep things real. “In his memory, I didn’t change the album at all. I kept it the way it was and followed through on putting it out once it was done.”

My favourite thing about this record has to be all of the guest appearances from names all over the scene, including some of the Deepcave and Sleep Clinic crews; there is a wide cast of characters from Webby D to Bajmahaj and Dystrakted to Big Bear and more paying their respects and pitching in. Having these folks on the record makes for some solid exposure for a person new to the scene, and I think anyone that is into hip hop would find it’s worth their while given the mix of styles represented.

Given the roots of this project, it is important to mention that music is medicine and while it gives us an outlet for expression and creation, sometimes it isn’t enough on its own. If you are struggling or hurting inside, reach out and talk to those around you. To quote Nevamind, “Mental health ain’t no joke,” and maybe that, if nothing else, is the message that should flow through when listening to The Yesmen.

Check out and purchase the album at handsolorecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-yesmen #RIGHTdeadly