To know AnUrbanNerd is to understand he is an artist of his community. He helps run a performing arts venue for local artists and wears the “nerd” moniker proudly. In July, he dropped his latest EP.

Don’t Over Think It tells the story of a nerd who has stepped into his light without compromising himself. It plays like a journal, dripping with raw and honest emotion. AnUrbanNerd is a poet, maybe even more so than an MC. The first track, “Real Shit,” stands apart from the rest of the project with its spoken word over blues delivery. In this way, he marries the strengths of two eras of hip-hop – the emotional vulnerability of modern artists with the lyricism and the production of rap’s Golden Era.

“Real Shit” laments the lie that Millennials were sold – that success in school will bring prosperity. “Real Shit” aside, Don’t Over Think It is a throwback to conscious rap with thoughtful lyrics over great beats that’ll make you stand up and bop. “Never Back Down,” “I Ain’t Goin’ Back,” “(Not) A.Love.Song,” and “Purell” bring good energy while “Therapy” and “Cakin’ Music” gives listeners a smooth ride. AnUrbanNerd finds perfect harmony with his musical environment on every single song with a self-assured delivery that always finds the right balance of attitude and dynamism. It all feels very autobiographical, with our protagonist finding more and more confidence as we journey through each track. Via instagram, AnUrbanNerd will be releasing a project titled “Dent” soon. With an excellent release setting the stage, it will be a must-listen for whenever it hits the internet.