Memoirs of a Cincinnati Maniac Review by Nick Seay Terrell has some ground to make up with this project. Other than a few tracks on Soundcloud and a feature on the PHENOMENAL My Own Worst Enemy by Nick Swisher, he's been quiet musically this year, petfectin this project while also preparing for fatherhood. His life is going through some serious changes as of late and that makes this project one of vital importance. Can he show the growth that has eluded him on his previous few projects? The most noticeable thing early on in the album is a shift in production. The beats verge from very slow, subtle and self-contained instrumentals, such as the chill radio-song"Overnight" to heavy high energy bangers that Terrell doesn't typically deliver (particularly the stand-out track"Carnival"). Despite the diversity in production however, many of the bars fall flat throughout, particularly the ones borrowed from Terrell's influences such as Drake and Childish Gambino. Whether they are being used to pay homage to these artists or as placeholders in the rhyme scheme, it can serve as a distraction. It makes these tracks, which clearly have had some serious thought out into them, feel lazier. However, despite the shortcomings, there are some moments on this project that show an undiscovered layer of depth to Terrell as an artist. Throughout this album are a series of"Memoirs" that read as if they were straight out of Terrell's own diary. They tell tales from chapters of his own life, such as meeting his Father, being relocated by family break-ups, and more. These make it feel more like a complete project, and are a big step up for Terrell. It shows the individualism as an artist that he needs to reach new artistic heights. Unfortunately, as powerful as the memoirs are, the enthusiasm for the project they create are often undermined by the undertones borrowed from other artists. It makes sense that this project would be his most different, as his life has gone through far greater changes in recent months than most would be used to. But not only has he adapted well to these changes, but it appears to be having a positive affect on his art as well. This project is definitely solid. In fact it's probably Terrell's strongest work to date. The features are all strong (especially Nick Swisher), I enjoyed the multiple listens I have it writing this review, and even though there are tracks here and there that are skip-worthy, it legitimately excites me to see him evolve further into an artist that is 100% him. But until he does become 100% himself, and stops trying to echo other people, he won't realize his full potential.Grade: B-Best Track: CarnivalWorst Track: (undecided as of yet)This is the first draft.