Albuquerque's 2ndVerse is back, and they return with a big statement in their latest release, "Tom Ford." Preferred for their hybrid style, which mixes razor-sharp rap flows with pop sensibilities, the collective continues to expand the boundaries of what modern hip-hop can sound like, and this release shows that the band's growth is unstoppable. The production is smooth and shiny, a perfect backdrop to 2ndVerse's assured, multi-layered delivery.
There's a vibe that's difficult to pin down, but it seems both celebratory and unapologetically ambitious here, and it illustrates their talent for balancing clear commercial reach with a gritty, streetwise twang. Their voices interact flawlessly and with a full, rich texture that doesn't bore you between the first note and the last. "Tom Ford" is catchy without being forced, and the hook is undeniably sticky, that kind of line that rattles around in your skull long after the song is over. Its lyrical content reflects a self-confident style, ambition, and flair, as the high-fashion reference that inspired the title would suggest, yet it is grounded in the vibe of Albuquerque streets.
For a crew whose city is not precisely known as a hub on the national hip-hop radar, 2ndVerse is doing a good job of making us believe geography has nothing to do with how dope you are. They've developed a self-contained musical style that sounds at once indigenous and international, comfortable and learned, and "Tom Ford" is a perfect case in point. Whether you're a longtime 2ndVerse fan or a new fan to the group, this track serves as an introduction to 2ndVerse's evolving sound. "Tom Ford" is a well-produced, lyrically exciting, stylish track that exudes a swaggering confidence in a manner that seems natural and a little bit sexy. And 2ndVerse is showing that they are here to stir the pot on an even larger musical stage.