With the spectacle that was VH1′s Miss Rap Supreme failing to be that missing link that separates the female rapper and total acceptance, it’s back to the drawing board for those women hoping to overcome those lingering stereotypes. While most rely on visual attributes, veteran rookie Invincible rather let her mic skills be her judge and jury. With a keen layer of ideology that covers her lyrics, the Michigan native is a wolverine on the microphone equipped with a slick wordplay that can twist any syllable at any speed. It’s these qualities along with an intriguing array of production that make her debut Shapeshifters an above-average event.

If you were expecting a sexually-charged, hormonal conflicted “girly” album, consider “Recognize” your official slap to reality. Over a Black Milk spiraling string sample that free falls in a muddled pile of drums, Invincible duets with rapper Finale with masterful rhyme patterns that’s sure to dazzle the MC’s the track is aimed at. As she quips on the equally bruising “Looogawaited,” “I’m striving to be one the best period/Not just one of the best with breasts and a period…,” Invincible’s out for respect and she’s not going to allow her gender to be a liability or distraction to her craft.

On the production tip, the beats on Shapeshifters act as a secondary draw while simultaneously complimenting the mood of the songs. Over a funky loop of Middle Eastern flutes, Invincible drops worldly tales of experiences with flavor on “People Not Places.” The rock-rap mashup on the ANOMOLIES-featured “Ransom Notes” comes off as so-so but it’s still testament to the level of divergence from the norm the album takes. “Deuce/Ypsi” takes on a more conventional sound with the chopped samples and blistering bass line while giving an insider’s glimpse of MI living.

As nuanced artists go, Invincible tends to lose you with streams of consciousness that tend to expand past the critical thinking mark into overkill and an occasional monotone delivery. The eulogic, yet awkward “In The Mourning” features catch phrases from every which way and a lagging bassline that Invincible never seems to catch up to. Likewise, “Ropes” with its gloomy onslaught of organs makes the wearisome verses even more difficult to follow. Conceptually, Invincible has a shrewd take on things, but her heavy political approach keeps her boxed in while it’s apparent she’s aiming to be viewed outside of it.

More of a localized analysis opposed to an overview that welcomes all comers, Shapeshifters exhibits a skillful artist determined to get her message to the people as she intended. Jean Grae comparisons aside, Invincible is off to a solid start on her first solo outing.

3.5 CIGARETTES

Previously Posted — TSS Presents 15 Minutes With Invincible | Invincible Feat. Finale – “The Locusts” Video (Part 1) | Invincible Feat. Finale “The Locusts” Video (Part 2)