Vinnie Dewayne, St. Johns Scholar (Self-Released)

[STREET STORIES] Vinnie Dewayne is a classic rapper. He tells street-worn stories from the stoop of his poverty-stricken block, which in his case happens to be in St. Johns. St. Johns Scholar—Dewayne's fourth free release in five years—establishes him as a hungry, patient lyricist. The 24-year-old is certainly more confident and capable on wax than ever before. His growth is evident on "No Where," an archetypical breakup tale about a disloyal man which ultimately shatters misogynistic rap tropes with the admission of guilt and remorse. "No Where" proves Dewayne's not afraid to flip rap standards to reveal harmful cultural cycles—a big move for a young MC. He's taking cues from political-leaning artists like Kendrick Lamar, a man who proved that protest songs are needed more than ever in 2016. On St. Johns Scholar, Dewayne battles with the cultural inequality he has seen and lived through as a young black man in America. "Give me a clean slate, too late, I understand," he raps on opener "Page 37," "these cuffs on my hands from the jump was a plan." While Dewayne's style is certainly within the "conscious rap" lineage, he's not preachy or overly cerebral. On "Easy," Dewayne and Myke Bogan—another of Portland's brightest hip-hop hopefuls—team up for a dynamic, vital back-and-forth about the struggle for success. St. Johns Scholar is an unfettered look at the trials and tribulations of a young and ambitious rap artist in 2016. And he's from your city. How rare is that? MATTHEW SCHONFELD.

SEE IT: Vinnie Dewayne plays Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave., with Lupe Fiasco, the Boy Illinois, Billy Blue, ZVerse and Rachel West, on Thursday, Jan. 14. 8 pm. $26.50 general, $40 reserved balcony seating. All ages.

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