Advertisement

Album reviews Music

Tona

On former Stylus Award winner Tona’s Carpe Diem, the Scarborough-bred wordsmith takes his game in a new direction by going personal overtop strong production by Grammy-nominated Paperboy Fabe and Tona’s compadre in Naturally Born Strangers, Rich Kidd. Much of Carpe Diem establishes what some have long known: Tona is a highly gifted emcee capable of inspiration and piercing introspection in the same breath. But he would benefit from stretching himself vocally so songs that require poignancy would pack more of a heart-rending wallop. 

Fairy Tale Divorce is a well-written meditation on a contentious relationship, but Tona’s flow lacks the emotional heft to carry the song. Still, his technical strengths are legion. On This Town, an ode to the city’s rap scene, he’s magnanimous without being overly moralistic. Tona peaks on Long Winded Road, where he sounds paradoxically (and enticingly) distant and passionate over mournful production by Kidd.

Top track: Long Winded Road

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.