When I got this EP in my inbox a couple months ago, I’m pretty sure Covi was going by a different name that was tricky for me to remember… But the dope thing about sending emails is that they don’t go anywhere and the embedded links to the music remain intact despite branding changes.
At 20 years old, the PDX/VA rapper/producer shows potential on his EP, Escalating, which he describes as a prelude to his upcoming mixtape, Esca.la.tion. With a rap style that favors Wes Guy and Q Dot, Covi’s delivery could use some development – at times he sounds overwhelmed by the lyrics he’s spitting – though he shows some serious chops on the production side, taking risks with an approach that often feels experimental if not completely unique. Enjoy.