Album Review: There Is Only Now by Adrian Younge, Souls of Mischief & Ali Shaheed Muhammad
Let’s cut to the chase: There Is Only Now is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a late-night breeze—smooth but heavy with vibes. Released in 2014 under Linear Labs, this US-born gem blends jazzy hip-hop with storytelling so sharp it feels like eavesdropping on life itself. The trio behind it—Adrian Younge, Souls of Mischief, and A Tribe Called Quest’s own Ali Shaheed Muhammad—crafted something timeless here. It's not just music; it's an experience.
Now, let me tell ya about two tracks from this joint that stuck with me harder than gum on a summer sidewalk. First off, we got "Panic." Man, oh man. This track hits different. From the moment the beat drops, it's like your brain switches modes—you’re suddenly in some noir film, running through rain-slicked streets while existential dread chases after you. The lyrics? Razor-sharp. They don’t just talk—they narrate. And paired with Adrian Younge’s production (that dude can make jazz sound futuristic), it’s pure magic. Every time I hear “Panic,” my pulse quickens, even though I know exactly what’s coming next. That’s power.
Then there’s “All You Got Is Your Word.” If “Panic” is the storm, this one’s the calm before—and maybe after. The instrumental version floats like a dream sequence, all lush keys and lazy drums, but when the vocals kick in, whoa. It’s raw honesty wrapped in silk. Souls of Mischief brings their A-game here, spitting truths about loyalty and integrity over a groove so smooth it could lull a baby to sleep—or wake up a grown-ass adult ready to face reality. Both versions—the vocal and instrumental—are keepers, depending on whether you wanna vibe or think deep thoughts.
What makes There Is Only Now special isn’t just its genre-bending sound—it’s how it makes you feel seen. Like these artists are whispering secrets directly into your ear. Tracks like “Time Stopped” and its instrumental counterpart remind you to pause, breathe, exist. Even the title track has this haunting quality, as if it knows more than it lets on.
Here’s the kicker, though: listening to this album feels less like entertainment and more like therapy. Honestly, it kinda messes with your head—in the best way possible. By the end, you might find yourself staring out the window, wondering where the last hour went. Or questioning why no one else seems to get how dope jazzy hip-hop can be. Either way, you won’t regret pressing play.
Final thought? This album ain’t just for headphone junkies or crate-diggers—it’s for anyone who digs soulful beats with brains. So grab a copy, dim the lights, and let it wash over you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover there really is only now.
