Beanz’ drive and confidence is on full display

The amount of women emerging in the rap scene is refreshing to see. They’re coming out the gates with knowledge, dedication and the confidence that they’re just as good (and most times even better) than their male peers. One of these women is Sabrina Perez, better known as Beanz, from Reading, Pennsylvania. After competing on the Netflix series Rhythm and Flow, she made a name for herself, garnering thousands of followers across social media and on streaming services. Her latest album, Tables Turn, showcases her drive, self-love and confidence in who she is as an MC.

The opening track, “Hugh Hef,” is jazzy as a saxophone takes hold of the melody. Midway through, the production shifts to a more fast-paced tempo that Beanz hits without missing a beat. Following this is “Pink Drink,” a top track on the album; its smooth production allows Beanz to spew out her confidence. “I’m a stoner, I be out here smokin’ all these bitches” and “So these bitches wanna be me like I went and had a daughter,” oozes with braggadocio and that same energy is kept throughout the track. 

The title track, “Tables Turn,” features Eric Bellinger. His R&B vocals bring a freshness to the track and provide it with the catchiest chorus on the album. Meanwhile, Beanz talks about the difficulties of love and relationships amidst a growing fame and bust schedule. “Wake Me Up When I’m Dreaming” is a highlight on the album. Accompanied by a music video, people see the consistency in Beanz’s melodic flow and work ethic.

“Scarlette Road” comes in with a feature from TDE rapper Reason. His verse sets the tone right away, emphasizing his lifestyle growing up, how people just use hip-hop for fame and what gaining fame did for him. “I did my shit for the culture, you did your shit for dollars” and “But it can’t buy happiness and look, I learned that from my dealers.” Beanz keeps it up with her own experience. They both recognize where they came from, and they only know that they need to get better. “Blow Me” is more upbeat. The pop-rock influence really shines heavily through the electric guitar that has the spotlight at the end of the song. Despite the track sonically sounding very different from the rest of the project, Beanz hops on and flows on it, truly making it her own.

“As Seen on TV” boasts a feature from Benny the Butcher. Both artists dominate their verses on where determination can get you. In their own ways, they let us know that intimating them is going to get you nowhere, and you have to work hard to get close to their level. The jazzy sample in the back feels more triumphant, right until the end when it gets suave and bouncy. “I guess you never really know what times brings” is the most prominent line on the final track, “Leave.” It feels like a great culmination to the projecting, allowing Beanz to brag, question someone’s determination and provide us witty wordplay.

In such a male-dominated genre, a woman has to work ten times as hard to get where she needs to be. Beanz’s hard work and dedication that she speaks about is a story some can relate to. Tables Turn is a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery, confidence and the energy it took her to get to where she is now. If this is just the start to her finding herself, what is ahead is sure to be amazing.