My Brother’s Keeper: Review

4.9.20

Kuniva & Swifty Mcvay of D12 My Brothers Keeper Release 2.22.20

Do you ever wonder what the guys from D12 are up to nowadays? I follow all of them on Instagram, so I’ve seen all the projects Bizarre has been putting out. Questionable, comical, interesting, to sum up those projects, in short. I am surprised I missed this one the first go around, but I’m excited I found it. Skeptical at first, but it actually wasn't bad.

Of course, Proof is the one member missing. Certain songs on this project were in tribute to Proof. They speak on missing their brother, and continuing to rep their old crew, D12. Basically, the tape is an anthem to prove that Kuniva and Switfy Mcvay still have it. After listening through several times, I would say that they do, indeed. Their sounds are the same, they’re still quick, violent, dirty, all of the above. As a past D12 fan and supporter, I’m happy with the new tape.

Gate Open

The beat from this song kind of sounds like one out of an action movie. As if the superhero is running to do something and time is about to run out. Imagine that, accompanied with gaming-like gun shots and punching sound effects. The verses are super quick and quirky. Basically, this is as classic old-school Eminem and D12 as you could as for, for half the group in their forties. Kuniva and Swifty each name drop for a few bars, and say some things that will make your jaw drop real quick. Perfect way to start of the mixtape, I am already intrigued.

Shut Up Bitch FT Maestro Williams

I didn’t love this song at first, but it is growing on me. The chorus is the title of the song repeated. It is pretty aggressive and maybe unnecessary. However, I like the beat and the verses. It feels deep and dark. Like D12 Fight Night vibes. Contrary to what one may think first glance, this is not a women degrading track. It is actually just about the haters, and how Swifty and Kuniva are not going anywhere. Overall I’m just reminiscing, and remembering that these guys were so good, but so…odd…

“You really bore me I'm yawning y'all Look I ain't down with y'all
Homie I'd rather lick a brothel wall”

My Why FT MRK SX

The chorus of this song could be played on the radio today. The pace is slowed down, but still with an uptempo, energetic beat. Content wise, the song is a lot deeper than the rest of the tape. The duo reminisces on their late brother, and shouts that they still rep their old squad, and wear it in ink. While loosing their relevance, and Proof, it seems they lost of a lot of their peers, as well. A true “why” story, of the two’s paths in the industry.

I Will Not Lose FT Money Makin’ Adee

An outsider probably thinks this tape is a joke from washed up rappers. I love the energy coming from this song, and the entire project, because they are really proving to us that they are still in it. Their energy, punchlines and rhyme schemes have not missed a beat. The word play in this song is crazy, and it is fun to hear since people don’t really pay attention to this in hip-hop anymore.

Turn FT Cherisha Williams

Turn is another deep song. I suppose when we used to know D12, they had to come with outrageous, ignorant, offensive bars. That is what we knew and loved them for, and that is what we expected from them at all times. So, it is nice hear that they are able to tell their story. We learn about their family struggles, failing out of class, getting in trouble with the law, everything. The song ends with a chant for justice. I did not love the way the vocals sounded particularly in the first slower song, but I think they came through with this one. This was a really nice change of pace for Swifty and Kuniva.

Betta Git One FT Maestro Williams

I kind of wish they got Royce Da 5’9 to be on this one. I think he would have had fun with this beat. One last banger for you on the tape. You can tell everyone here was just having a ton of fun with this track. When they aren’t sharing of ton of intellectual messages, but they’re throwing crazy bars back and forth the entire song. This was probably my favorite song on the tape. The content is super fun, and you can bop to the chorus. Which, I guess if there was a message to the track, it would be the chorus. Do you have any of the following? If not, you better get one.

“A fly wardrobe, better get one
A side piece hoe, oh you better get one
A shooter for your foes, better get one
A Jewish lawyer bro, oh you better get one
A reason that you give, better get one
A reason that you live, oh you better get one
Crib on a bunch of land, better get one
A better money plan, oh you better get one”

Heartbroken FT MRK SX

We close out with the final song, Heartbroken. MRK SX is great on the chorus. This again could go on the radio right now. You probably could have mistaken him for Trey Songz or some other R&B artists that sings on all the hott new hip-hop choruses. This is definitely the largest tribute to Proof. It seems that though they all had troubled pasts, they are supporting their lost friend to the end. Everyone is still heartbroken, including Eminem. But I am so happy they got this project out. Proof would be so happy, and proud of the guys. This song is sad, but you have to vibe to the chorus. Definitely one of the tops tracks on here.