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Artist: Artist: International Nova
Album: Point of no Return
Label: Monarchy Records (Spectra Music Group)
Website: http://www.itsinternationalnova.com
Genre: Rap
Sounds Like: Flo-rida, Cypress Hill, Bone Thugs in Harmony, ASAP Rocky
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 8/10
Best Songs: Finally Made It, Into my own Zone
Weakness: A few winded Songs
CD Review: March 2012 marks the release of International Nova's new single entitled "Mansions & Audemars" featuring close friend and R&B sensation Tony Sunshine ("shes like the wind", "100percent ") which has been met by love and admiration by fans and critics around the globe. In August of 2012 International Nova signed a deal with Monarchy records (a division of Spectra Music Group). He will be releasing his much anticipated album “Point Of No Return” in the spring of 2013.“Point Of No Return” has features with such artists as Tony Sunshine, Hussein Fatal of the legendary group The Outlawz (Founded by Tupac Shakur), Platinum artist Sacario and Fred The Godson to name a few. With Monarchy in his corner he is now fully set to crush the industry; International Nova is looking to further stamp his mark on the music scene.

The CD kicks things off with the title track a prelude of sorts that’s set’s the stage rather well for this catalogue of songs with it’s theatrical musical build, apocalyptic groove and striking musical flow. This song leads you head first into impressive ”Into my Own Zone” . This track hits hard with no holes barred rap delivery from Nova that’s in your face and doesn’t back down. Track 3 “Hey Girl” dishes out a melodic yet hypnotic rap groove with well placed harmonies, solid low end vibe against a grand slam chorus. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear many rap influences reminiscent of classic Bone Thugs in Harmony, ASAP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Tyler the Creator, Futur and even Crooked I. Along the way I can also hear influences from Flo-rida and Rick Ross. You can’t help but notice a lot of impressive musical soundscapes layered in the music. The mixing is effective and very marketable packed to the hilt with things like impressive sound effects, well placed keyboard and synthesizer accents, percussive elements, and top tiered sampling and beats that make their point. The beats are thick as a brick providing solid low end punch and crystal clear high end clarity. You will find everything from clever rhymes, addictive melodies, lyrics that are thought provoking and rap flows that are masterful. Now turning out attention to International Nova he is a marquee talent and should be treated as such. The thing I like the most about his vocal performances is how well Nova handles himself within each song demonstrating a wide latitude of personality. Equally as impressive is his X-Factor as he dabbles in several menacing alter egos within each piece. From infectious Mansions and Audemars” to hard hitting “Fuck up the Party” to grooving “Hush” to hypnotic “Drink” to melodic Photogenic” to my personal favorite “Finally Made It” to heartfelt “We Can Make It” and The Reason” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 17 “It’s my time” the perfect finale statement for an EP of this caliber.

All songs over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line.

Song for song, pound for pound Point of No Return from International Nova is a rock solid CD. Like a heavy weight fighter this CD goes the full 12 rounds and never lets its guard down. It has everything from raw intensify, clever lyrics, to songs that are well crafted that hold your attention span perfectly. As a whole this CD possesses a lot of variety and musical versatility. It delivers the typical in your face urban swagger you would expect from a top flight rap release but what's more impressive is the strong production value, infectious rap grooves and arsenal of personality International Nova brings to the table. Need I say more?