Within “Keep the Peace” Forever the Rebel tries to maintain balance. A sense of purpose pours out of the track. Beats hit ferociously. Going straight for the jugular, an unflinching realness comes through in each verse. The speed of her delivery adds to the sense of chaos, going on a kick that feels reminiscent of Danny Brown’s approach, for there is this buckshot anything is possible quality to it. Even as it retains a degree of catchiness behind it, the sense of the unexpected looms large, helping to add to the dexterity of the groove. So many different elements reverberate, giving the song a living, breathing aspect.
The production shines through, adding to the tension. Word choice rushes through, for it reflects upon drugs, violence, and trying to exist. The harshness of the environment has such realness to it. Bass rumbles throughout, ensuring that the work’s physicality becomes readily apparent. Subwoofers work wonders with this powerful sound, for it is that kind of song that is better blasted. A confrontational approach runs through, making sure never to let up. Completely revamping that classic gangsta rap sound, it simultaneously explores hip-hop’s history while pulling the sound forward into the present. Her style thus combines a lot that is supposed to be separate but putting it together results in this pure adrenaline rush.
Forever the Rebel holds absolutely nothing back on the full-on assault that is “Keep the Peace.”