A.V.I.U.S.

For Better or Worse, the second release from Prime Element’s A.V.I.U.S., sounds like it marinated in a backpack carried around any variety of East Coast cities, from Boston to Philly. A choice blend of boom-bap-tinged beats were handpicked from various artists by Prime Element producer Es-Nine, who has an ear for the kind of enticing beats that match A.V.I.U.S.’s introspective lyrics. One of the best songs on the album, “Same Ol Line,” gets some assistance from Fashawn and Dilated People’s Evidence, while lyrically, A.V.I.U.S. is strongest on “Nightmares.” Eight songs deep, For Better or Worse lets the MC get straight to the point, with tracks coming off like journal entries read out loud over tight beats.