Res - How I Do

The silence between the tracks on How I Do is not that of an artist seeking recognition, but a considered pause within a journey marked by confidence. Res, with this album released in 2001 under MCA Records, fits into a universe where genres cross and blend, carried by the production of Santigold (Santi White). The album is a bold exploration of alternative R&B, neo-soul, independent pop, rock, and hip-hop—an eclectic mix that reflects both the influence of the 70s and the dynamism of a new millennium.

The poetic introspection of How I Do: between personal narrative and universal themes

The track How I Do opens the album with a clear, laid-back voice that seems to address the listener directly. The lyrics, though understated, carry an emotional weight that dissipates slowly. They oscillate between intimate storytelling and universal themes of empowerment, an idea that will often return in other tracks. The production is understated but rich in textures, allowing Res's voice to stand out without effort, as if it were naturally born from this blend of styles.

The engaged lyricism of They-Say Vision and Ice King

If How I Do is an introspective introduction, They-Say Vision and Ice King mark a more engaged turn. In these tracks, Res tackles social subjects with rare lucidity for a debut album. The lyrics are direct, almost provocative, but never lose their elegance. Ice King, in particular, tells a story that seems personal yet resonates like a disguised social critique. Santigold's production on the record brings a nervous rhythm and a sound reminiscent of post-punk influences, as noted by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Lyrical contemplation in Sittin' Back and If There Ain't Nothing

In tracks like Sittin' Back or If There Ain't Nothing, the album proves more introspective. These songs, less driven by rhythm than melody, offer Res a space to breathe. The voice is softer here, almost meditative, with lyrics that seem written as reflections on existence or solitude. While these tracks are absent from the most critical discourse, they bring a contemplative dimension that balances the record's power.

Intimate storytelling in 700 Mile Situation and I've Known The Garden

In tracks like 700 Mile Situation or I've Known The Garden, Res dives into a more personal narrative. These songs, though less known to the general public, carry an emotional weight that reveals itself with repeated listening. Their structure is simple, but their impact is profound: they seem to tell stories of life, love, or displacement, with a rare sincerity for a debut album. These tracks, while less visible in reviews, are essential to understanding Res's artistic journey.

How I Do is therefore an album that defies categorization, one that fits within a tradition while also proposing its own reinvention. It is not perfect—the incomplete release date and lack of commercial information sometimes make it mysterious—but it remains a testament to the creative energy of an artist at their start, backed by bold production. This record deserves to be revisited not only for its originality but also for the way it weaves connections between the past and future of rap and independent music.