Harlem Artist "Mamadou." drops his debut project "To Stitch a Rose."
A sentimental and vulnerable gem
Here at Gritty Vibes, we lend our ear to a lot of mixtapes and albums, so much so that we can pretty much detect a fire project within the first thirty seconds of a listen. It doesn't happen often, but when an album like "To Stitch a Rose." comes across our desk, it captivates us from beginning to end. Rather than presenting a loose collection of songs like so many artists do on their first project, the Harlem artist known as "Mamadou." offers up a cohesive vision that pieces together vulnerable moments and memories much like its cover art. At the end of its 48 minute runtime, we leave feeling like the artist is a familiar friend.
https://open.spotify.com/album/0px9efVUq4Jr03oAbsmMky?si=3vkUkDH1SMqI_JQcH0G_tw
Mamadou. is a first generation Malian American who got his start in poetry back in seventh grade, inspired by Mr. Raysor, a teacher and mentor he credits with introducing him to the power of words. That love evolved into spoken word, Hip Hop and R&B, elements that are interspersed throughout his debut project.
"To Stitch a Rose." eases us in quietly with a piano interlude, setting the tone for the dreamlike state that persists in the album throughout. Themes of loss and coming of age arise as Mamadou. grapples with a range of emotions tied to evolving as a man. Within that journey, Mamadou. learns and unlearns, builds and destroys, taking listeners along with him for the process. Mamadou. uses collaboration tactfully, bringing together a brilliant number of features that service the overall voice and feel of the album.
The album ends with two powerful moments. "Small Caskets" memorializes Tylik Allen, a Harlem teen who was tragically killed in 2017. The track shifts perspectives between Mamadou. and Tyrik himself, who addresses the world through Mamadou's lyrics. The final track, "Homecoming" brings closure to the album, as Mamadou. chooses to chase light and kisses his darkness goodbye. "Maybe this rap shit was just meant for me', He raps "Maybe this rap shit another form of therapy". To Stitch a Rose is exactly that for both Mamadou. and the listener. For us, we're hoping it's a start of a long and prosperous career for the Harlem artist to come.
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