Brandon Mitchell – ‘Gametime’ [Album review]

Brandon Mitchell is a multi-faceted artist who traverses the worlds of music, dance and film. Some may recognize him from Step Up Revolution, season nine of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance and numerous appearances on TV. However, the LA-based Kansas City, KS native jumps back right into the music scene with his latest project, Gametime, a 15-track body of work that chronicles the trials and tribulations of a young black man in this unforgiving world. Using the concept of sports as an overarching metaphor for the project, we get to see his progression from the ground up and along with the events and characters, in other words, his teammates, that shaped him along the way.

The project is launched by “Gametime Title Track,” a cinematic jam laced with triumphant horns and strings that ushers in the arrival of a champion. Lines like “Got fouled but I got no complaints/Rebound now I’m getting in my groove/Watch out man, let me do my dance/Small circle I don’t have a lot of friends” set the tone and underpin his mission parameters, where winning is the only goal. This leads into the soulful vibes of “Dirty Dishes,” which showcase Mitchell’s vivid storytelling about his childhood. From being an attentive child to observing the evolving world around him and gaining his autonomy, listeners are thrown into the mix of the action as we verbally watch him grow from a kid to a man. “Sugar” is a heartfelt and insightful piece that explores the temptation of the flesh kind. Mitchell once again employs the use of candy-inspired metaphors to detail the never-ending allure of the female gender and how any misstep can leave one addicted forever. The following tracks, “Legendary Elevation” featuring Nia Cheri and “Right Back,” talk about self-resilience, appreciation and the essence of time well-spent in an era where folks waste it on frivolous things.

Thus far, Mitchell has shown different sides to his creativity and versatility over a wide range of sounds and topics. This approach continues with “Highest Wave 2,” an introspective cut that sees the rapper in his true element as a man with purpose. Lines like “I ain’t really here to wrestle/I’m just here to be a vessel/To survive here, I’m investing/I swag surf from depression/On the highest wave, I be dancing” underscore his laidback demeanour and laser-focused mindset. “Plays” evokes raw urgency and sees Mitchell recounting his experiences in the new year while taking stock of what needs to be done to improve. “Untitled Love” features Irv Da PHENOM , who tacks the cut with their soul-stirring melodic runs while Mitchell recounts a love-at-first-sight situation and the life-changing events that follow blossoming love. “Brooklyn’s Song” is a brilliant adulation-filled track that talks about his daughter, relationship with his baby mama and his experiences with fatherhood. The track has a soulful vibe and features a short vocal snippet by his daughter Brooklyn Aviel.  Nia Cheri returns on “Walking Bucket,” a solemn piece that explores loss, shortcomings and the willpower he built to rise from the ashes, while “TGBNU” shows appreciation for the small mercies in life. The final track,  “We Already Won,” helps bring the project to a close with its solemn and reflective tone. The track is framed from the perspective of a man and his team after the proverbial game. From the losses, wins, and the trying moments, Mitchell acknowledges it all. Other notable tracks include the bravado “Buried Underneath” and the aspirational “No Gloves,” which showcases his expressive flow and vivid lyricism. The bass-heavy “What We Doin” is anchored on a laidback but catchy chorus and features Bussy B.

Brandon Mitchell’s film appearances include Dave (FX), Insecure (HBO), Blindspotting (Starz), Good Girls (NBC), The Rookie (ABC), Sistas (BET), and The Upshaws (Netflix).  He is also a DJ