VZN SZN Vol. 1 Feels Like a Movie And Vision Play’s the Cast At The Top Of Their Game by NWO Sparrow

Rapid Review of Vision Play Ent VZN SZN Vol.1

Beats: 10/10

Lyrics: 10/10

Concepts: 7/10

Rollout: 10/10

Replay Value: 10/10

VZN SZN Vol. 1 — The Arrival of a New Collective

There are certain moments in music journalism when you feel the ground shift beneath you , when a name you barely knew before becomes impossible to forget. For me, that moment came the day I was invited to check out Vision Play Entertainment’s upcoming collective project, VZN SZN Vol. 1. I’ll be honest, I said yes out of professional curiosity. Any label that sends for media this early in their rollout is clearly serious about their craft. What I didn’t expect was to hear one of the most balanced, well-executed group albums I’ve come across at this tier of my career.

What makes Vision Play Entertainment different is that there isn’t just one “star.” Usually, these indie collectives have a standout or two while the rest orbit around them. Not here. Every artist on this roster carries enough presence, pen, and personality to be the face of the label, and that’s rare in 2025, when no single sound rules hip-hop or music for that matter. This project proves that a label can be versatile without being scattered. VZN SZN Vol. 1 is an ecosystem, a world of street talk, radio-ready melodies, and cinematic energy all coexisting on one body of work.

Listening through this album felt like discovering something the world hasn’t caught up to yet ,the same kind of feeling early Jay-Z fans must’ve had during Reasonable Doubt. You sense greatness forming right in front of you, still unbothered by industry politics or outside noise. Every track feels deliberate, like each artist performed as if this might be their only shot. That urgency ,that hunger , is what makes VZN SZN Vol. 1 special.

1. And When The Sky Opened (Rain 910, Ashton Combs, J.Y., A Chic) — 10/10

The opener feels like a orchestra on film , all slow build and anticipation. The harmonizing and live-band-style production immediately set a tone of seriousness. “I wish that they can see what I see,” echoes like a prayer, a reminder that visionaries often stand alone until the world catches up. The song plays out like a urban cinematic feature, no hook, just layered verses traded back-to-back, showcasing pure lyrical precision. J.Y. steals the spotlight here, his delivery sharp and emotive, but the chemistry among the four makes this feel like a family creed, not just a collaboration. It’s an introduction that tells you, buckle up, this is art.

2. Benjamin Crew (Jeremih, Maliibu Miitch) — 10/10

If there’s a hit record on this album, it’s Benjamin Crew. It has that unmistakable Neptunes-era glow, clean percussion, glossy synths, and melody so slick it feels designed for summer rotation. Jeremih slides across the production like he was born on it, and Maliibu Miitch proves once again she’s built for the main stage. Her confidence is magnetic. She’s not chasing trends or fitting into the “female rapper” box — she’s flexing artistry and intent. Every bar says she belongs here, and by the end you realize she’s not just featured on a hit, she’s co-authoring one.

3. Execution (PC, J.Y., Twayne Towns) — 7/10

Execution is for the rap purists. It’s trenched-stained, hungry, and unapologetically rap. The haunting yet rhythmic beat demands pocket discipline , and Twayne Towns along with PC find it effortlessly. Their tones balance aggression and composure in a way that keeps the song compelling. J.Y. holds his own, but this isn’t the album’s single; it’s a statement of skill. The type of record you catch live and nod your head to, knowing these artists still care about the craft of rapping.

4. Lexi (Ivory Scott, LeA Robinson) — 8/10

This one sounds like it belongs on BET Jams at 11 p.m., lights low and phone in hand. Ivory Scott opens up with emotional clarity, reflecting on self-focus and growth while juggling toxicity. His delivery has that “this is real life” texture , no gimmicks, just heart. LeA Robinson enters with a tone shift that’s pure takeover energy. Her pen cuts through the mix with lines like, “Before you think I need ya / amnesia,” a perfect social-media-caption moment that feels earned, not forced. This is sleek, polished, and ready for radio.

5. Position of Power (Austin Sour, Benny the Butcher, Rain 910) — 7/10

One of the project’s early releases, Position of Power reminds you that Vision Play’s DNA includes hip-hop grit. Austin Sour and Benny the Butcher bring that hustler perspective, their verses detailed but never redundant. Rain 910 glues the record together, sliding with surgical precision. There’s no hook , just a barrage of focused bars that show this team knows how to build energy without relying on formula. This is barbershop-talk rap for those who appreciate skill over spectacle.

6. Gimmie Dat (Rain 910, Poizonnn, ItsaMovie) — 9/10

Finally, a record that breathes sensuality without defaulting to drill. Gimmie Dat is mood music, dim lights, tinted windows, no autopilot. Rain 910 delivers one of the album’s most cinematic lines: “All they wanna do is f*** my car / and make love to whatever’s on my wrist.” That’s the kind of flex that sticks because it’s not arrogance; it’s honesty. Poizonnn and ItsaMovie complement the vibe perfectly, layering attitude with allure. For me, this track embodies what makes Vision Play special , style without compromise.

7. Say It Loud (PC, ItsaMovie, Twayne Towns) — 10/10

This one radiates feel-good energy. The hook alone is instant nostalgia, pulling from classic R&B cadences with hip-hop urgency. I couldn’t pinpoint who delivered the opening verse, but whoever it was, they breathed life into the track from the first bar. The synergy between the three artists is remarkable , it’s the type of song you replay without realizing it’s looped three times. It’s confident, warm, and effortlessly cohesive. A clear standout.

8. Show You (DreamDoll, Shantel May, Poizonnn) — 8/10

Show You feels like a moment of empowerment dressed in melody. DreamDoll and Poizonnn both rap from a place of knowing their worth , they’re not bitter, they’re reclaiming control. The chemistry is undeniable. Shantel May ties it all together on the hook with a smoothness that borders on hypnotic. This is women in charge, unapologetically, and it makes for one of the most balanced collabs on the album.

9. Is You Cool (Poizonnn, K Carbon) — 10/10

This record stopped me cold. Is You Cool is minimalistic and raw, but that’s the beauty, the beat hits in waves, the hook burrows into your brain, and Poizonnn walks on the track like she owns it. Her tone, confidence, and phrasing are star-quality. K Carbon’s presence pushes the energy even higher. This is the one that deserves to run through clubs, cars, and playlists all at once. Certified banger, no debate.

10. Fantasy Island (LeA Robinson) — 7/10

LeA Robinson returns solo here, dipping into the sexy-drill pocket that’s still carving its place in modern R&B. The record’s good, slick production, catchy phrasing, but it’s slightly overshadowed by the strength of earlier tracks. Still, it’s refreshing to hear her isolated; it reinforces her versatility and potential as a standalone act within the collective. This one’s about maintaining presence more than peaking.

11. Often (Ron E, Rick Ross, Rain 910) — 9/10

Luxury talk, introspection, and presence , Often closes the project on boss mode. Rain 910 sets the tone perfectly with a reflective verse that feels lived in, not written. Ron E delivers a hook that ties it all together with class, and then Rick Ross steps in like the mentor walking through the mansion corridor, dropping gems as he passes by. “All you n****s is haters, we should pray for your parents,” is quintessential Ross , arrogant wisdom at its finest. It’s the perfect curtain call.

The X- Files

Component Grades Explained

Beats — 10/10:

No wasted motion. Every instrumental serves the artist and moment. Whether lush and orchestral like And When the Sky Opened or stripped and punchy like Is You Cool, the production is purposeful. It feels curated, not compiled.

Lyrics — 10/10:

From captions to quotables, the pen game here is sharp. These artists understand how to balance depth with accessibility , they write lines that resonate in conversation, not just in rhyme books.

Concepts — 7/10:

The subject matter isn’t groundbreaking , love, loyalty, power, and reflection , but the execution (pun intended) is what makes it work. The collective re-energizes familiar ideas through fresh delivery and chemistry.

Rollout — 10/10:

Vision Play Entertainment did everything right , visuals, promo, engagement, timing, events . They treated this release like an event, not a drop. It signals long-term vision, not a one-off success.

Replay Value — 10/10:

This album sticks. There’s a track for every mood , late-night drive, gym grind, or introspective walk. The cohesion gives it shelf life beyond streaming cycles.

Total Music Score: 8.0/10

Total Album Score: 9.167/10

What VZN SZN Vol. 1 ultimately represents is possibility. It’s proof that an independent label can craft a project that sounds as polished and intentional as any major release. You hear dedication in every verse, passion in every harmony. This isn’t a playlist , it’s a statement of arrival.

As someone who’s covered music long enough to see collectives form and fade, I can say Vision Play Entertainment feels built to last. They’re not chasing the algorithm , they’re building culture. And in a time when everyone’s fighting for 15 seconds of virality, they’ve created something that deserves 45 minutes of your undivided attention.

If this is Volume 1, then consider this review a timestamp. Vision Play Entertainment just planted their flag , and when the sky opened, they walked straight through.