All Hail Y.T. & DJ Manifest's 'Soul In The Mirror II' Is a Smooth, Big-Hearted Masterpiece of Encouragement
Read the tracklist and the album explains itself: “Affirmations.” “Endeavors.” “Plug Motivation 101.” “T.A.G. (Talented And Gifted).” Soul In The Mirror II is fourteen tracks of Delaware rapper All Hail Y.T. in partnership with producer DJ Manifest, and it is unembarrassed about being a motivational record — which, done badly, is the most punishing genre in music. Done like this, it’s a balm.
The Sonic Breakdown
The Production & Mix
The Low-End: Manifest builds these beats on Quiet Storm soul, and the low end behaves accordingly — rounded, unhurried, mixed under the vocal rather than against it. There’s no competition for the center of the frame anywhere on the record, which is why a fourteen-track run never fatigues. The Spatial Dynamics: Bandcamp Daily’s J. Edward Keyes describes “equally relaxed production… that helps Y.T.’s messages go down smooth,” and smooth is a technical achievement here as much as an aesthetic one. The two interludes — “Lifetime Of Game” and “Mirror Effect” — are load-bearing, resetting the room so the next stretch of advice lands fresh.
Standout Performance
Y.T.’s delivery. Keyes nails it: “an easy, laid-back drawl, the kind of voice that simultaneously soothes and encourages.” That combination is much rarer than it sounds.
Why It’s Certified
⚡ Early on he offers the whole thesis — “There’s never gonna be a perfect time, you gotta do it” — before settling into the mantra “I can do that / I can do that.” 🌈 “Plug Motivation 101” nods at a classic Young Jeezy record and delivers the album’s best line: “The only opps I got is opportunity.” Guest spots from Big Cheeko, Gio, Anthony Danza and Left Lane Didon keep the back half moving.
Encouragement, at volume zero. Certified great.