7/10

Brandon Mitchell has never been one to stay in one lane. From commanding the screen with magnetic dance performances to crafting soul-stirring moments in front of the mic, the Kansas City-born, LA-based artist has long blurred the boundaries of discipline and genre. But his latest full-length 'Gametime showcases his full range, delivering a true statement of intent.

Framed as a metaphorical journey through the highs and lows of life-as-sport, 'Gametime' is a fifteen-track odyssey grounded in resilience and purpose. Right from the jump, the title-track lays the groundwork with blaring horns and percussive energy that feels built for a championship tunnel walk. It’s swaggering but sincere, with Mitchell’s lyricism giving a nod to perseverance over bravado.

One of the album’s greatest strengths lies in how it shifts moods without losing focus. 'Dirty Dishes' trades bright brass for hazy, lo-fi textures, letting a more introspective flow take centre stage. It’s these changes in pace that make the project feel like a full arc, with each track adding depth to the central theme.

'Brooklyn’s Song' is easily one of the record’s emotional peaks, distilling Mitchell’s ethos into a mix of innocence, insight, and deeply human storytelling. Soft keys and chopped vocal samples set the tone, while a child’s voice brings unexpected depth to the track’s message of legacy and hope.

'Gametime' stands as a personal manifesto dressed in versatile production and elevated songwriting. For anyone needing a soundtrack that blends hustle with healing, this one’s well worth the full playthrough. Brandon Mitchell continues his mission in building a body of work that moves with purpose.