Solomon Vaughn a/k/a Boonie Mayfield - Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn

Solomon Vaughn a/k/a Boonie Mayfield

Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Solomon Vaughn, a/k/a Boonie Mayfield is a hip-hop artist hailing from Colorado Springs/Denver, CO. Vaughn has had a career of ups and downs (like when he got all of his equipment stolen) but recently released Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn. Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn is an eclectic hip-hop album that is soulful, fresh, retro and relevant. There were multiple times I was reminded of D’angelos latest release Black Messiah in that it contains an old school R&B soul vibe you can trace back to to the 60’s and 70’s. Those moments which are perfect for a hip chill lounge end up being the best on Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn.

After a quick intro entitled “Brothafromanothamotha (feat. Shawn Keith)” the album starts rolling with “The Wonder Years.” The beat, the rhymes and just about everything else on this song are top notch. There is such a chill yet mysterious vibe that Vaughn creates that you are almost destined to start bobbing your head and snapping you hands.

“Driven (No Limits)” utilizes synth and has a distinctly different feel from “The Wonder Years” while “Haterade” is one of the most innovative songs that takes advantage of smooth bass lines, sporadic organ, and gospel vocal harmonies. “Haterade” has original rhymes that avoids cliches and tropes. Vaughn doesn't have a problem throwing in words like “orthodontist” or just making up his own word “Haterade.”

“Mile Hi” was an unexpected seven minute song that is largely vacant of vocals. There is a psychedelic haze on this song like you're in a dream. The song could have probably been wrapped up in five minutes but was still nonetheless enjoyable, Another highlight “Foya” which was only a minute and a half long but has some of the most infectious melodies. “Foya” contains soulful singing that I hope to hear more of in the future.

At seventeen tracks Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn can sometimes feel a bit scattered. There were a couple tracks which probably could have been left out to make the album feel cohesive. That being said Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn never has any straight up duds. The album contains a number of good and a couple of great songs. Boonie Mayfield Presents: Solomon Vaughn is no-brainer if you are into hip-hop that isn’t afraid to be original and take some chances.

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