If Tomorrow Comes
If Tomorrow Comes is the debut album from Brooklyn born rapper, Maino. The structure of the alignment of the music is probably the most interesting part of the CD. The album begins with the light, celebratory track, "Million Bucks." Maino is so thrilled about his new found success that he could give away a million bucks. In a way, it is basking how much money he has and can freely give away as if it was nothing. A bigger part of the song hits on how the money doesn't matter. It's becoming a success, after all of the doubts that were piled against him, that's important. "If Tomorrow Comes" starts with the present, but after the first track it takes us back to the beginning of the story. The rest of the CD is in chronological order through flashbacks until the very end where we get our conclusion. To add to the movie-like structure in which the CD is set up, Maino makes a number of commentary tracks to transition from one chapter of his story to the other. Some of these are phone calls or fighting, but the first is Maino taking us back to the beginning of his story very poetically.
From here we are brought to "Back to Life," taking us back to Maino's release from jail after being locked up for 10 years. Push! Montana plays the part of his friend from the hood. The track shows Maino's urgency to start living his life again although it seems like he is falling into the same stuff that got him in trouble in the first place. Cue the parole officer, which helps frame Maino's struggle between the two paths that he could go, choosing to do something better with his life. "Remember My Name" is one of the better songs on the album as well. It follows this low, rhythmic rapping which is blended with the sweeter sounding singing in the chorus. The song centers on Maino's dreams and his ambitions for a better life. It ends on somewhat of a downer as he claims that the hood keeps on dragging him back.
"Gansta" starts out as a promising song, showing Maino being sucked back to the streets. It begins with a soulful and atmospheric soul wailing, but this mood is suddenly cut short with a jumble of over-synthesized noise. The blues sound and the noisy rap aren't intersected or given a very good transition from one to the other. It just becomes very hectic. Even once the rap takes over the blues sound completely, the song doesn't ever redeem itself.
Maino's overly cocky lyrics and attitude took away from some of the previous stimulating songs about growth and success. In "Here Comes Trouble," fame seems to have gone to Maino's head as he attempts to be as intimidating as possible. He sings about similar behavior that he should have left after he was given a chance to start over. "Let's Make a Movie" shows a definite cockiness as well, as he claims that any girl that sleeps with him will be given all of the fame she should ever desire. The movie he is referring to making is a sex tape and doesn't talk of this woman in the most respectful way. This isn't that uncommon in rap, but he is so self-indulgent and conniving during the song.
"Hi Haters" shows his large pride as well, but at least it is more of a defense than boasting as he addresses all who doubted him and are still trying to bring him down to their level. There are harmonic echoes in the chorus, signifying the support Maino has now to outweigh those that are against him. "Hood Love" counters this as Maino sings about all of the love he gets in the hood. I'm sure there are those who are happy for what he has achieved while there are those who are still stuck and jealous of him. This does also hit on the contradiction that Maino constantly shows between glorifying the hood and leaving it behind. It seems like he is trying to impress everyone; fans of street rap and those who are looking for hip-hop with meaning.
After a number of songs that rubbed me the wrong way, Maino brings us back to some of his more dignified material. "Soldier" has a steady, constant snare drum beat that the rapping matches up with as in a marching nature. Maino sings about the importance of strength and to keep on battling to the death. "Runaway Slave" depicts the struggle of the battle and his urgency to overcome the restraints that have held him back for so long. It seems like the most personal song, as Maino sings about the fear of not setting everything in his life right. He sings about being there for his son, making peace with the mother of his child, being there for his mother, and making something of his life. It shows the harder times, but through a relatable vulnerability without resorting to Maino's street life again.
Maino ends the CD with the appropriately named "Celebrate." There are a number of voices and tones that help complement each other. Through this song, Maino shows thanks for what he has accomplished and for the strength to turn his back on trouble. The background singing and chanting gives it a party-like celebratory atmosphere. It's a fun and upbeat number that leaves us on a good note. Maino's "If Tomorrow Comes" has several noisy, distracted, and arrogant tracks. He also has several that do help redeem the album through a more heartfelt poetic rap style, chronological retelling, and more meaningful outlooks on life and retaining hope.