"The Intro" by Blakcard ATM

Blakcard ATM’s attempt to showcase his talent as an artist as well as his place in Hip Hop is a step in the right direction. With his second studio album, he’s definitely on his way to solidifying himself as one of the greats, among the greats.

When one thinks of an intro they usually think of an introduction of some sort. That’s exactly what local artist Blakcard ATM’s “The Intro” is. He introduces us to a couple things. He introduces us to who he is as an artist, everyday person, and business man. He meticulously paints a picture with his lyrics; pulling you in one verse at a time. From start to finish he captivates your attention with thought provoking lyrics, relatable material, and style. He also has some really good collaborations from other local artist that compliments his sound.

I love an artist who tells a story through their music. While listening to Blakcard ATM’s “The Intro” I was able to picture the events he’s rapping about in my mind, as if I were there. The album starts off with “All I want” and I was hooked from the first line he spit, “All I have is my respect. All I wanted was a check. I just wanna follow my dreams and chase em with no regrets, wipe out all my debts”. No matter what age or demographic you are,you can feel where he’s coming from. He ends the album with “Keep on dreaming”. An uplifting and encouraging song propelling one to “keep on dreaming” throughout their struggles and setbacks.

Some of my favorite tracks are: “All I Want”, “Grammy Night”, “I Deserve This”, “Can’t Escape Reality”, and “Keep On Dreaming”. “I deserve this” gave me chills because his lyrics are real and raw. I felt the emotion of his hard work and sometime setbacks. “Grammy Night” exudes style with vivid imagery of a lush lifestyle. It’s a fun song. “Can’t escape reality” has a dope beat with his vocals caressing the beat while spittin’ relatable lyrics such as, “I came from nothing, I wanted something, I wanna know what success is”.

All in all Blakcard ATM’s “The Intro” is a good album. It has something for everyone. He’s “giving hope to the hopeless” and if you didn’t know, now you know “Blakcard be the name round town”! You have officially been introduced to Blakcard ATM. If you are looking to be mentally stimulated, motivated, and challenged this is an album you can’t pass up!

Shantell Shinnette