Confidence Is Q: The Evolution of Q5
By: Raymond Spence
Tags: Virginia, Musi, New York, Hip Hop, Open Mic

As far as surprises go, 2020 has had its fair share as a year itself; most of them more negative than positive. As fate would have it though, there was another surprise that we received on Christmas day that hopefully sets the tone of positivity for 2021. Q5, a 757 Open mic host and MC by way of New York, released an anticipated follow up to his “5x5” mixtape of 2017. With the latest release by the beloved CIPHER Tuesday’s host, the surprise comes not with the content but the delivery of this project. Over the years, this MC has displayed a posture of unwavering humility which many would identify as his calling card; a useful device for an open mic setting that requires the label of safe space for the budding creative. Be that as it may, Q5’s latest installment of the “5x5” series is a clear departure from the shy MC asking you to believe in yourself, into a “I know I’m dope” lyricist displaying his confidence in his ability as a means of inspiration for the listener.

“5x5 Volume 2: The Brooklyn Sessions” leaves little room for interpretation with it’s opening track, The Bragadacious Flow. With lines like “I’m better than your favorite, I just play the humble.” and a nod to Somali pirate from the film Captain Phillips “I’m your captain now” bar repeated twice; Q5 asserts his refined presence as not only a veteran MC but current “Boss” of the family if you will. The track is permeated with low register guitar riffs and the classic NY boom bap drum rhythm that can be mimicked at any lunch room table on command. The production sets itself apart from any past project Q5 has been on which helps The Brooklyn Sessions feel different in terms of how his pallet for producers changing. The track closes out with Q5 running down a list of what can be called “functioning adult victories” which will leave you asking yourself questions like “when’s the last time I ran 4 miles? Or done 100 push-ups in a day?”

“I’m changing” feels like an answer to all of the questions you may have just asked yourself. The pace this song sets compliments the structure of an elite project. All too often independent artists struggle finding a balance of pace with their project. This track being placed here is a nod to Q5’s awareness and maturity as a creative to make his work sonically pleasurable. It’s not only the pace that compliments its placement well but the message of the song serves as an explanation of this evolution of a more confident Q5. “RIP to the old me, we ain’t homies.” over a horn melody I wish was an actual horn section serves as a proclamation that we are dealing with the butterfly that emerged from its cocoon. Q5 is careful to mention though, that this latest iteration of himself isn’t about being selfish. This change makes him better for his community at large from “teens with a purpose” to his CIPHER Tuesday’s crew will all benefit from a more focused and confident leader he is proclaiming to be. “It’s time to be the change I want to see…It’s time to be the change I want to see, but it all starts with me.”

What’s the use of confidence if your love interest doesn’t see it? Sure it’s great to have all by itself, but certainly it should have some applicable use when conveying romantic interest. “Gas You Up” is a “step by step how to” manual in pouring confidence into someone else that my or may not need it; but will certainly appreciate it. The cadence of the rhymes and New Yorker dialect is reminiscent of Nas if he ever did an open mic with a house band. With stealable one liners like “she mastered her aesthetics” this track is sure to be replayed by a boy learning how to compliment a woman. As any male entertainer would be able to tell you, if you can get the women on your side at a show, you’ll never have to worry about going out of business. From his years leading the open mic scene, Q5 makes another masterful pacing decision but placing this song as the hump on this project; it guarantees that women get the much-deserved acknowledgement.

Doubling down on acknowledgement is a risky decision that Q5 seems to tackle well with “Can We Talk”. Keenly aware that more than 1 song is needed to address women properly, this addresses communication patterns that could bring about better relationships. The structure of the beat has radio single written into its framework with the only thing missing being the “Triplet Hi-Hat” phrase made popular in the 2010’s. Communication in relationships is a topic not often addressed and Q5 gets to the heart of the issue in a not so subtle approach. The only thing to be desired in this interpretation is to hear the woman’s perspective; a possible missed opportunity for a female collaborator. Nonetheless, an enjoyable tune from the male perspective. Maybe a remix for the radio could be on the horizon?

In a sheer recapitulation of the message of the album, Q5 gets back to the message of confidence with his 5th and final track “Trouble Don’t”. With a steady pattern on an electric keyboard, a poet with masterful prowess addresses the listener with conviction you’d expect from a seasoned open mic veteran. “Your playing small does not serve the world; there is nothing enlighten about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” Rappers and poets have always had a beautiful marriage of lyrical delivery and the contrast between the two here is displayed in perfect balance. The beat comes in after the poet telegraphing the punch Q5 provides with a cadence that compliments the electric keyboard so well. The beat continues to evolve with a synth bass making a descending pattern locked into what the electric piano has been playing. All the while Q5 is lyically outlining situations in which listener should be reminded that adversity is temporary to those who have the right mindset. In a move reminiscent of J Cole on 2014 Forrest hills drive, Q5 closes out the project giving his free thought/unrehearsed/unfiltered thank yous and shoutouts. Not necessarily something you’d expect for a 5 track tape but it’s delivered with the confidence of a full album so it’s easier to accept the first listen around and perfectly fine to pass on any other time afterward.

4/5 is a fair assessment for this body of work. It’s easy to enjoy and has a lot of replay value. After the roughness that’s been 2020, it’s refreshing to hear that our troubles won’t last as long as we stay confident and sure of ourselves. “Find Your Thing, Do Your Thing, Share it with the world” is a popular mantra that can be found on the sleeve of the CIPHER Tuesday shirts and repeated several times over at the open mic itself. Q5 is making good on that phrase by creating this project in 24 hours mind you! A true testament to when the Muse visits, you take full advantage.