It isn’t uncommon for a veteran MC to take an up-and-coming rapper under their wing as a way of introducing them to the big leagues. In the case of NehruvianDOOM, self-proclaimed supervillain and lyrical mastermind MF DOOM aims to create a foundation for young rapper Bishop Nehru.
While the album is fully produced by DOOM, longtime DOOMheads may be disappointed, as DOOM only raps briefly on several tracks. But it should be clear that this collaborative work is supposed to be a showcase for DOOM’s new underling. If this wasn’t already evident, the album deliberately points it out, as heard in the intro sample to “Caskets” which says, “Young blood, he’s smart and he’s tough/ But he’s got a lot to learn about survival/ And the man he’s gonna learn from is.../ DOOM!”
Nehru proves his worth as a lyricist, forming fluidly structured verses that unsurprisingly emulate the style of his masked mentor. Being in the position of a ’90s hip-hop revivalist is only benefited by the production of someone who has plenty of experience in that cultural period of rap.
DOOM’s abilities as a producer are well-grounded. The songs are occupied with catchy bass lines and soulful jazzy beats, ingredients you’d find on a typical DOOM track. Old film samples once used to characterize the villainous DOOM have now been replaced with samples that create a persona for his new partner in crime, Nehru.
Stylistically, Nehru seems to be following in DOOM’s footsteps, but he brings little appeal to differentiate himself as an artist. Many of his lines, while well-structured, feel like a monotone recital with no real bite or personality, though it’s hard to blame an 18-year-old artist for a lack of presence. Although NehruvianDOOM falls a bit flat, it’s only a prologue for the young performer. With time, Nehru is bound to create some individuality, which leaves much to be hopeful for in the future. His statement in “Great Things” clearly expresses there’s a lot he strives for, and with any luck, Bishop Nehru has the potential to impress the next time around.
Rating: B
