It looks like North Carolina has struck gold again by birthing Ed E Ruger! This Greensboro native possesses top-notch lyrical talent along with an impeccable work ethic. He is helping set a new standard, and building a portrait for North Carolina hip hop through his latest body of work, “Lights Out”, the album.
The album’s intro track, “Iconoclast Intro” sets the tone of what to expect, and immediately crushes any stereotype that may have been placed on him or North Carolina’s culture. DJ Phillie Phresh lends his contributions to the intro and throughout the disc with mixing and scratching, giving it that classic hip-hop touch that’s always needed.
“Lights Out” contains several buzz worthy hits, including “That’s My Shit” (featuring Metaphor the Great), “Switch It Up” (featuring Stitchy C), and Smoke Some Weed. While Ed E Ruger manages to showcase his lyrical capabilities consistently throughout the entire mixtape, “Merciless” (featuring Bekay and Ty Bru) and “Do It For the Rush” (featuring Sean Boog and Wax) were prime examples of why he deserves to be called an MC, instead of just a rapper.
My personal favorite was “I Hate Everybody”. When I first saw the title, I assumed it would be a typical rant coming from another rapper mad at the world because he’s not getting the attention he wants. But to my surprise, Ed gave it a comical theme, proving that he’s a well-rounded artist not afraid to poke fun, even at himself.
Overall I was impressed with “Lights Out”. I am happy that Ed E Ruger is here to contribute to not just North Carolina hip-hop, but music in general. It is always refreshing to come across an artist with diversity and originality, because those two components are so difficult to come by these days. Please support this rising star!
