Eli $tones - “$ticks and $tones” ALBUM

With consistency, grit, and a personal style that granted him a gradual rise to having a notable name in music following the drop of his Debut EP “Elsewhere” in 2016, Eli $tones has shown himself to be Milwaukee's Golden Child. He is not one to be left out of the conversation of great musical artists in Milwaukee’s current scene and he proves that with the drop of “$ticks and $tones.”  This 11 track album speaks to $tones’ genius in his use of melody, lyrical transparency, and ear for instrumentation. The intro track “Came Along” is a moment of honesty for $tones. He gives subtleties of the heartbreaks, fallouts, and karmic lessons that lead him to being who he is today. In a “Behind the Song” lyric video that can be found on his youtube page, he gives a bit of BTS content and goes more into depth on the inspo for the writing of this song. “Everything I got”  is a few tracks later but could unofficially be a continuation of “Came Along” as it provides a perspective that allows us to feel a bit more present in the moments that $tones may have been speaking on in track 1.

His lyricism shines through the more personal he gets; “You showin’ me that it's simple like when people do you foul, hit em’ back with a double-dribble…” Yet, immediately after the turmoil, and even before bracing himself to endure more of the pain that is to follow for the remainder of this album, Eli $tones stops and takes a moment to do what most do; he turns to his mother. “Mama” is a tear jerker. It is an ode that is carried by some simple strings and a sweet melody in $tones’ voice that stays consistent for the song’s entirety. If listening closely, his chosen cadence is similar to T-Pain's, that of which was briefly used on the chorus of Kanye Wests’ “Good Life”... but, like, sadder. He runs down a list of promises to, and appreciation for, his mother, whom he makes clear to be the one who fuels his passion and inspires the necessary sacrifices made while making his way through the grind (and how appropriate for Women's Month).  Tell me how YOU feel about “ $ticks and $tones ” Milwaukee (And don't forget the Dolla Sign!).

/Naomi-Re’a for CW