Some albums seize your attention from the first song. One second, you’ll be chilling. The next, you’ll subconsciously lean forward, perhaps attempting to grasp the vocals and beats popping in your ears. Someone who knows how to grasp your attention and maintain their pace with their impressive rap style, lyrics, and production is MillsWasChosen. His recent ep, Strictly For The West 2, is proof of that.

Mills was initially inspired by his brother to make music. Now, he’s a skilled rapper, songwriter, and music video director. His diligence toward music is seemingly limitless. Since 2017, Mills has released seven albums, three EPs, and various singles on streaming platforms. 

Strong hip-hop beats intertwine with striking strings to introduce “Play Ball.” The production, combined with the confident energy Mills brings makes it a captivating opener. Lyrics such as, “All these dollars in my pocket, it started with lint,” depict his growth that came with immense hard work and passion.

Featuring LA Duce, “High Class” encompasses a thumping production, mixing hip-hop with delicate chimes and futuristic sound effects. “We can change locations, take you shopping in Trinidad,” Mills promises his lover a high-quality experience. Flaunting his earned money, both Mills and LA Duce cruise these beats with ease. 

Enchanting with guitar and woodwind instrumentation, “Don’t Show It” exhibits an intense fighting spirit, including a disdain toward fake people. Mills’ dynamic style, joined by Urbgotti’s contributions, and the beautiful, borderline eerie production, intensified by compelling beats, truly hypnotizes. 

Intertwining guitar with beats that might cause your headphones to quiver, “Top Dog” reveals more of Mills as an artist with lyrics including, “On stage, I don’t care about no image. Nah, it’s not easy, just look how we did it.” For some, gaining support, performing, and being vulnerable on songs can be difficult. However, Mills shares how his love for music drives him. 

“Exotic Views” allows dOzier’s unique, gripping voice to take the lead. Both dOzier and Mills propose to their partner a steamy, romantic time, ignoring the world and those who are envious of what they have. The production, complete with hard-hitting beats and sounds of shooting lasers, has space for listeners to relax and enjoy. 

Closing the album, “Rain Coming” guides with sounds of thunderstorms and serene chimes. Forceful hip-hop production jumps in, with graceful melodies discernible underneath. The feature, Adigi Tove has an intriguing voice that begins the song and takes the chorus. Involving themes such as standing firm through trials, Mills affirms, “I rise like smoke in the chimney” and “When it rains, it pours, but that’s how flowers are born.” MillsWasChosen doesn’t merely live through difficulties, he blossoms from them. 

Emerging hip-hop artist, MillsWasChosen, displays pieces of himself and his relationship on Strictly For The West 2, including the lessons he’s learned as an artist, his devotion toward music, and his tenacious mindset. Paired with the cohesive and attention-seizing production, this EP is not one to ignore.