This is the sophomore effort from Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom emcee Truemendous. Introducing herself in 2015 off her debut EP Whoremonal Moodswings, she continued to build momentum with the trilogy P.S. This Is Your Mother Calling began & bridged by P.S. This is Your Father Calling. The final chapter P.S. This is Your Aunty Calling eventually caught the attention of High Focus Records, who dropped her 5th EP Huh? right when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Coming off her debut album The Misdiagnosis of Chyvonne Johnson, the First Lady of High Focus looks to set the record straight of being Great. On Purpose.
“Womp (Uhuh)” begins in the form of this synth-funk/boom bap crossover talking about how working smarter does always go hand-in-hand with working harder whereas the 2nd single “Really Wanna Love” produced by Ghosttown takes up 105 seconds melodically yearning to have someone she can shower with affection. The 4th single “Yourself of the World?” featuring Skinnyman goes back to a boom bap vibe thanks to Illinformed talking about doing this music shit to instill their loved ones until the 5th & final single “In the World of of the World?” ponders if this was really her passion over a Telemachus beat.
Vaddy joins True on the dancehall-flavored “Curve” talking about doing better than ain’t being shit & her phone continuing to ring when it comes down to the money just before “Stooshe Then, Stooshe Now” picks things up with a hypnotizing celebration of womanhood. “Chatty Patty” ends the 1st half sampling an organ courtesy of Pitch 92 throwing some kicks & snares in the fold additionally calling out the people who go running their mouths regarding her while the lead single “Talkk” featuring MysDiggi gets the 3rd quarter started clarifying that neither one of them are looking to make small talk.
“Neither” combines electronic music & trap for a decent song pushing the 2nd leg of Great. On Purpose forward using it’s title to answer multiple questions like whether was born gifted or cursed & rather than getting hurt or learning a life lesson while “Flip a Coin” gives off a smoother approach talking about her having the ability to improve or worsen the lives of others. “Dark Shades” instrumentally radiates a summery atmosphere speaking of crying underneath the kind of glasses she’s rockin’ to avoid being seen in tears while “Beyoncé / Tortoise & The Hare” featuring Princessdkrazy comes together for a 7 minute 2-parter.
The song “Old Ting, New Ting” psychedelically addresses a toxic individual in her life who’s well aware of the poisonous energy he has to offer thanking him for all the moment he’s been able to share with her while the 3rd single “Still Don’t Wanna” maintains a respectable pace conveying themes of love, life & lust whilst returning to a bit of a nostalgically vintage boom bap sound. “I Feel Good (So Good)” concludes by sonically taking some cues from the realms of Latin music talking about how she’s doing better after taking some time to get herself together.
Huh? almost 3 years earlier remains the greatest musical statement in Truemendous’ career & although I enjoyed The Misdiagnosis of Chyvonne Johnson more than others did since there was some divisive feedback surrounding that previous full-length, Great. On Purpose could be the weakest project she’s done since the Hove, East Sussex imprint brought her on board. I can appreciate her taking a more ambitious approach compared to its predecessors, but the production during the 2nd act of it mostly doesn’t hit the same way Telemachus’ or Pitch 92’s did right when initially pressing play.
Score: 3/5
Legends Will Never Die 