REVIEW: Ubiquitous – “Matter Don’t Money” [Strange Music]

By Chris Mills | May 28, 2012 at 3:46 pm | No comments | Music Reviews, Reviews

Formerly regarded as “top five” in Kansas City’s rap scene, and currently regarded by some as an MC who could be a real problem for “the industry” as a whole, Ubiquitous’ rap abilities have only intensified since signing to Kansas City-based international rap powerhouse, Strange Music, with his partner in rhyme, Godemis. Ubiquitous and Godemis of Ces Cru recently dropped their first solo mixtapes, Matter Don’t Money and The Deevil respectively, through their new home at Strange.

The title of Ubiquitous’ Matter Don’t Money sounds as though it may have been assumed well before he finalized the 14 tracks which appear on the free download. But regardless of his writing process, there is no better title for this release. You’ve most likely heard the phrase, “Money doesn’t matter”. Ubiquitous is out to flip that phrase and demolish it beyond all recognition. Matter Don’t Money sounds less like he’s offering advice to freelance artists as much as it seems to be a reflection of where Godemis and himself are headed specifically. And let’s be honest, Ces Cru could be touring the country or even the world a year from now.

Most of the songs on MDM do center around the almighty dollar, point blank. But not in a stereotypical rap kind of way. This is Ubiquitous telling everyone that he’s not going to settle for some local notoriety and some side cash earned from ripping shows around town. This is a very straightforward mixtape, in the sense that his lyrics are telling you where his head is at, but his flow and fancy wordplay is what’s meant to sell you on Ubiquitous’ lyrical skill set. While we’re not sure about production credits here, most of the featured beats are more of an afterthought anyway. That’s not a knock to whoever assisted in creating these beats, but those who have a hard time thinking of the titles “rapper” and “musician” as being equal need to hear this. Ubi flexes evidence that those two terms certainly deserve to be treated as synonyms when considering MDM.

If you’re one of Ubiquitous’ newer fans and a lyrics-first, beats-second type of listener, Matter Don’t Money is your hip hop fantasy in a zip file. Money is Ubiquitous’ prime objective heading forth with hip hop. Is he a bit obsessed? Possibly. But we’re pretty confident that your inner slacker will probably take offense to about 80% of this mixtape.