TUVOK THE WORD "NAMESAKE" EP REVIEW

From uncovering nostalgia, to paying the present a tribute, as well as penning the future, Tuvok the Word covers the love that inspired his inaugural project, “Namesake.” Not only does Tuvok express his love that inspired him, he also delves into his pain and short-comings that also play a catalyst in this 6-track, 24 minute EP. The supporting cast is made up of one feature from his big bro and the finishing touches in the mix by DJ Hayes.
The first three tracks of “Namesake” have a past-present-future theme. The first track,“Free and Black (Summer 2010),” illustrates the past and takes us back a decade with a nostalgic beat and soft, smooth drums. Tuvok’s brother, Nur-D, joins him in painting a picture of what Summer 2010 was like for them.
Next up, “Season” plays the role of present. Tuvok shares a luscious 6-minute tribute to his wife, using the beauty of the 4 seasons to exemplify the beauty he sees in his wife. Although the seasons change, Tuvok’s love for his wife doesn’t.
The third track, “Love Letters,” looks towards the future. Tuvok pens letters to kids he doesn’t have yet. He is looking ahead and establishing the morals and ethics that his future kids will live and learn from once they come to exist. The track contains two verses: for his future son and future daughter. This track is one of my favorites on the EP. With a line like, “Love God, Love yourself, and love others/ and never forget/ Always Love your mother,” makes an endearing and beautiful tribute to the future.
The turning point of the album is “Therapy.” the instrumental mood changes to a darker shade and subject matter. Tuvok dives into family tragedy and personal depression and, through all of it, how he copes by making music. Through vices and struggling for a sense of understanding, Tuvok finds it in music, which is his therapy.
“Myself” has Tuvok look into the mirror. He dissects his flaws and the pressures surrounding him, causing personal doubt and self-loathing. The line “I love myself/ but I hate me,” speaks volumes in the dichotomy Tuvok is facing.
The closing track, “Page,” looks at everything in Tuvok’s past and present and encourages himself and everyone that “Everyday is another page.” Tuvok comes to find that he is the author of his own book and everyday contributes to the story. Through everything, Tuvok realizes that this story hasn’t been finished. He motivates himself and everyone to keep going and continuing their own story. “I’m living a story that is unfinished/ Everyday is another page unwritten.”

(Melodic Noise) Name?
(Tuvok the Word) Tuvok the Word. But Tim in conversation.

(MN) Members?
(TtW) Just me!

(MN) Genre?
(TtW) Hip Hop

(MN) Origin Story?
(TtW) Born and raised in the Twin Cities. Music has always been a part of my life in some way. And Hip Hop has always been one of my favorite genres. Most of my music journey has been as a drummer in various bands including my former Rock band, Black Genesis. Currently, I am drumming for Nur-D as part of his Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Band. I have been writing poetry and Hip Hop songs since I was about 9 years old. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that I decided to actively pursue Hip Hop. It was actually Matt (Nur-D) who gave me my rap moniker.

(MN) Label?
(TtW) Unsigned.

(MN) Album Name?
(TtW) Namesake - EP

(MN( What is your favorite track on the album?
(TtW) Page is definitely one of my favorites.

(MN) What lyrically stands out on the album?
(TtW) Honestly, I think I have natural lyricism. Like I don’t really try to be the best rapper ever, I just write in a style that I think is dope. And that style typically relies on having lyricism and being honest. I only write about stuff I actually know and I think anyone can hear that authenticity in my songs.

(MN) What is your inspiration behind the Album?
(TtW) The main inspiration is just my life. I just wanted to introduce myself to the world in the most authentic and vulnerable way I know how. Through music.

(MN) What do you want fans to take away from the album?
(TtW) I want them to know a little more about me. About the type of artist that I am. About the type of person I am and that I want to be. This album is a great introduction.

(MN) Is there something that connects the songs together?
(TtW) Me. Each song is about a different aspect of my life and my personality. From talking about my marriage, to my goals as a father and artist, you can see who I am. Listening to this EP is more like reading my journal or looking into my mind.

(MN) Are you a local or transplant?
(TtW) Local Twin Cities kid born and raised.

(MN) What are your influences and MN influences?
(TtW) Definitely every artist signed to TDE. They are a major musical inspiration. Particularly Isaiah Rashad and Schoolboy Q. As far as MN artists go, Prince has always been an inspiration in regards to how he dressed and his stage presence. Just amazing.

(MN) Favorite TC artists?
(TtW) The big bro Nur-D is definitely one of my favorite artists. Matt has always been one of the most naturally talented people that I know. Brandon Pulphus is also amazing, really dope lyricist and great entertainer. Also, Mpls Drew, Auctavias Blanchette, Dungeon the Baptist, Peace the Keeper. And Lt. Sunnie is in a league of her own. There are so many great artists that I’ve met over the years and these are just a few.

(MN) Favorite venue to play at?
(TtW) I really like performing at breweries. They have been great. So Modist, Omni and Indeed have been among my favorite spots I’ve performed at. Also 7th Street Entry. Just because it was such an honor to perform there.

(MN) What can fans expectations at a show?
(TtW) Fans should expect an intimate experience. I really want everyone in the audience to feel like my performance is for them. I really look for audience engagement when I perform.

(MN) Do you have a favorite or crazy show moment?
(TtW) I’ve had two crazy show moments. One was as Tuvok performing at 7th Street Entry. That was the biggest show I’ve rapped at ever. It was an amazing experience and I truly had so much fun performing there. The other moment was just a surreal experience drumming for Nur-D. We performed at First Ave as a part of the Best of 2019 Show. That show was unlike any experience in my life. The whole night was amazing. It still doesn’t feel real ha.

(MN) Dream tourmates?
(TtW) I would love to go on tour with J. Cole or Isaiah Rashad. I think that our music really complements each other’s and and tour with those two would be a dream come true.

(MN) Hobbies?
(TtW) I enjoy watching really good shows. I’ve been watching The Walking Dead recently. I also play video games. Games with great stories are my jam. Trying to play through Star Wars: Fallen Order but it is so hard.

(MN) What do you like about the Twin Cities?
(TtW) I like that the Twin Cities feels like one large neighborhood. Minneapolis and St. Paul in particular, feel like giant neighborhoods as opposed to big cities.

(MN) Favorite place to grab food/drink?
(TtW) I go to Old Chicago in Apple Valley almost every week for trivia and hangs with some friends. That is definitely one of my favorite spots plus their beer selection is always dope.

(MN) Day jobs?
(TtW) I am in Human Resources. I recently started a new job in Talent Acquisition at Renewal by Andersen. It is a great place to work and I really like my team. But I am planning on doing music full time.

(MN) Future plans?
(TtW) My plans are to keep grinding. Keep networking. I’m trying to do as many shows as I can. I want to work with as many artists as I can. I’m never stopping. I just want to make music my occupation.

You can also catch Tuvok the Word live in May:

Review and Interview by: Paul Thorson, Hip-Hop Writer @PaulyT03
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner @PlaylistTC