F%#K Tefman

Contradiction within a rap artist’s catalog is no surprise. In fact, many even strive for it, hoping to show diversity, depth, and range. But often, it comes off forced, disjointed, and confused. And then there are those few who don’t hammer it home, but instead let their different personas stand out at different times, on different songs, somehow making it work and still feel natural. For the most part, Tefman, as evidenced on his new album, F%#K Tefman, is one of those who can make it work.

Like his past work, Tef, who’s also the frontman of the local group L.O.S.T S.O.U.L.S, rhymes about good times and bad, and taking care of family as well as taking care of business in the street. But he’s smart enough not to do it in the same song, thankfully.

Taking aim at those who doubt his skill, the album comes out the gate firing with “Murder The Beat,” an energized track with an eerie piano loop featuring his L.O.S.T S.O.U.L.S brethren Killa Bane. “I Don’t Care What They Say,” featuring E-Sweez and SB, disregards other jealous MCs’ opinions over simple yet driving production and an amplified, angry hook. Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia and locals J Stills and Opal Ellyse join Tef on “Let’s Do It,” which has the MCs telling different stories of finding love and lust in the club. Cory Park adds his adept yet angry lyrics to “Beneath The Concrete,” which has him trading verses with Tef in this all-too-short song over a snappy but subdued beat.

Other standouts include “The Kill Off,” “Wack MCs,” and “Spaceship,” a thoughtful track about putting in work juxtaposed against DLO’s easy, stoner-friendly soul sample. Though getting money dominates the conversation on the album, Tefman jumps off topic to reveal something deeper often enough, and overall, the energy and consistency of F%#K Tefman make it worth checking out.

Tefman is celebrating the release April 15 at The Frequency.