By : Garfield
“Clarity” EP Offers Nostalgia From A Valley Native Listen as Ham takes us back to a better time with a modern take on 2000’s vibes.
Let me paint a picture for you; it’s 2007, kickbacks are popping off every weekend, the illuminati is an actual topic of discussion and you still have tape stuck to you from the game of Edward McFortyhands you played last night. Simpler times, really. Ham the Aviator’s 6 track EP Clarity is a reminder of what really was the “golden-age” for budding youth raised in the San Fernando Valley.
Now when you hear a rapper mention Skateland on a track, just pop open a bag of Hot Cheetos and be prepared for some throwback, 818 vibes. Coming through with a summer jam, ‘2000s Kid’ interpolates Jamie Foxx’s cut from Twista’s ‘Overnight Celebrity’ with some added California bang. Sprinkling references of Nelly and high school repartee (who doesn’t remember their Myspace Top 8?) in his verses, Ham caps the song with a house party chant “If you a 90’s baby, let me see your hands up! /// If you a thousand’s kid then let me see them hands up!” It’s these ingredients that really set off a turn up track.
On a waiver note, artists Isabella Sol and Valleyboy come together to feature on ‘Millennial Love’ and flow over a 90s beat reminiscent of the radio hits this generation grew up to. It’s worth noting how well Isabella delivers the chorus on this track. Not only does she boast an impressive Hip/Hop Rn&B vocal range, but she manages to stick to the EP’s westside motif. One could arguably state that this is a rare case in which the chorus makes the song.
The only detrimental aspect of this EP is its timing. Ham the Aviator thrives in the performative spotlight, and with most functions on hold till Corona is under control, we’re all missing out on hearing this live. As someone who has seen him perform live, I’ve witnessed his ability to control a crowd and engage with his audience. After all, he does have musical roots in the EDM category.
At first glance Clarity may seem like an exhilarated summertime project, but it’s actually a callback to memories only few of us were lucky enough to experience. The universal themes and sounds of this project not only paint a vivid picture of San Fernando in its heyday but also showcases the valley’s distinct style as well. Regions need documentation, and Clarity provides a vital piece of 818 heritage.