So Cold Now Available!

Good day!

So Cold is now available! If you are a member of BustMyRhyme.com, you can download it and an exclusive bonus track from http://ntalekt.bustmyrhyme.com. You can also download it at http://www.soundclick.com/NTalektSoCold.

I've got player below, but you can download it all for yourself at either site mentioned. The download includes full artwork, lyrics, and more!

Enjoy, and thank you for your support!

Now playing: N. Talekt - So Cold

N. Talekt

Official So Cold Tracklist

The art will be out by the end of the week, but I've finally decided on the tracklist, and it's as follows:

1. Intro
2. Award Tour
3. Stay a While
4. Talk It Over
5. So Cold
6. Diamond
7. To the Sky
8. Gave My All
9. Keep Dreaming
10. I'm Back (Bonus)

While there may be other bonus tracks, the above are 100% confirmed and ready to go.  

Why these tracks?  They all tell a pretty complete story together while not becoming overly repetitive or boring.  Each track builds upon a whole story, a complete picture, discussing everything I've been dealing with.

There's almost two tales being told by this mixtape, distinctly separated (which you'll easily pick up when you hear the mixtape), but by hearing the first tale, you have a deeper appreciation for the second.

A number of other tracks were recorded for this that simply did not make it, and I'm not sure when nor if I will release them.  If you've been following my music, then you know that a good deal of what I write never makes it on record, and I'm perfectly fine with that.  I'll keep you posted on those.  While I'm happy with the tracks that didn't make it, they didn't particularly fit the story or add anything substantial that wasn't already there.

I'm very excited about this project and hope that it won't be another three years before I put another one together!  If you've heard all the tracks released from So Cold so far, you know I've got the creative juices flowing and I'm hoping to continue that and release some fresh new tracks soon, and continue to push the envelope.

Ah, it's gonna be a cold winter...

N. Talekt

Interview: So Cold Pt 4

Here's the latest and last installment of the So Cold interview, discussing its release and future work.

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7277021

N. Talekt

Official Release Date Announced!

Hey all,

Just a quick notice, if you haven't heard already! :)

So Cold will be officially releasing February 3!  That's two short weeks from now!

I'm very excited about the project and can't wait to have everything wrapped up.  The music is just about done, I'm getting in some final tweaks and getting the packaging and artwork straight.  The response so far has been great and I'm glad you all have enjoyed the work.

From the tracks I'm sure you've gathered that it's been a long year for me.  They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and right now I'm feeling like Samson.  Putting things in music has really helped me deal with my situations as I can be honest with myself through the art.  During this time there was a lot of things written and I selected only 10 tracks because there's a lot about the same topics and some things that are too personal to release right now.  I think the track selection is great, it has a nice variety while at the same time being thematic.  

So, what's next between now and 2/3?  Be on the lookout for the final installment of my interview on So Cold, as well as the official tracklisting, a couple new tracks, and more!

... it's gonna be a cold winter ...

... and tomorrow, I'll start getting  you ready for it ... stay tuned ...

N. Talekt

Interview: So Cold Pt 3

Part 3 of the interview is up, discussion my thoughts on the imminent success of the mixtape as well as The Freedom Trail.

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7254485

N. Talekt

New Release: "Gave My All"

I'm back with another release! This might be the last song from So Cold to come out before the mixtape drops on February 3, but I hope to put out more music before then.

Anyway, "Gave My All" is one of my favorites from So Cold. It's a fresh track about efforts wasted in holding on to a relationship that was not meant to be clutched so tightly. I guess wasted isn't the best word choice, maybe futile efforts is better. Anyway, it's an interesting track because it's on a high-energy track with Latin influence, but it meshes effortlessly with the song content and they combine to make a really interesting track and a nice story.

I'll warn you now, it's not a short song, but it's worth the listen. As of this writing this is the only song I've completed for So Cold that features another artist (though there are some in the making). DK of the Richmond-based group "Velvet" helps me out here on the hook and bridge, and sews up what its a great musical effort. He's got a great vocal range from falsetto to bass and all in between. Look for more from him sooner than later.

But as always, don't just take my word for it ... have a listen!

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7240648

N. Talekt

Above Average

While I touched on this topic in a recent interview, I wanted to go a bit more in-depth on being different than the other artists. The question: what makes you more than just your average rapper?

See, the thing with me is, I record music that I feel like will either connect or I think people will be interested to hear. But for every song you hear from me there's so many more that'll never leave my rhyme book. Music, to me, is more of a passion than a pasttime. It's powerful, provocative, inspirational -- there's so much that music has the power to do. The music in my rhyme books typically act as a personal outlet -- either for creative purposes or theraputic healing. The music I record tends to be music I think will be inspirational, moving, or interesting to others. So Cold is actually the first body of work I've recorded where I didn't really care about an audience per se', but rather, I recorded the type of music that I tend to keep to myself or in my close circle.

But I digress. In regard to the original question, and I talked about this in the recent interview I did, I feel like I approach music in a different way than most people. I'm at the point where I'm confident in my ability to write and record good music, and now I'm trying to actually go to the next level. I want to be on that "classic" level -- not classic like Nas or 'Pac, I mean classic like Michael Jackson or Luther Vandross. It's kind of like the gripe Kanye had recently with winning "Best Album of the Year" versus winning "Best Rap Album of the Year."

There's a fair number of people who are not traditional hip hop fans who enjoy my music because they can relate to it or they can appreciate it, and I feel like my music is getting to the point that it can be appreciated as more than a good "hip hop" song, but rather, a good song. I definitely do not want to stray from the hip hop genre, but I'd like it to be appreciated on a broader scale, without losing my roots.

I have a ways to go before I get to where I'd like to be but I listen to the music I'm making today and the reception I get today versus my older work and there's a clear difference, and that's where I want to be. Not that I can't appreciate my old work, but I feel like time has only made me better.

So how is N. Talekt above average? Well, maybe I'm not -- music is subjective, I won't be in everyone's top 10 :). But I think there are things that make me stand out as an artists. I put a lot of effort and detail into how I write my lyrics -- yes, I still write them -- while musically exploring various types of beats, rhythms, and tactics. My latest release, "Gave My All," is a perfect example. I recorded this on a high-energy, non-hip-hop beat, but I'm amazed at how well the song content (a relationship lost despite my efforts but learning to let go). It brings emphasis on the fact that, while there is an upbeat tempo, the despair is still felt and the instruments actually work.

I don't think it's especially hard for other artists to begin to separate themselves from the masses either, I think it takes first, making music through personal experience, as no one on this earth has lived the life you're living. Second, be comfortable with yourself and confident enough to look at yourself and your music objectively. As I said on "Can I Get Signed?," "only a true artist can paint a self-portrait." Finally, once you're able to do that, dare to venture out of your comfort zone. Find your niche, then expand. Learn. Grow. Don't accept mediocrity, don't be content with complacency. That growth will help you connect with larger audiences, and you'll then reach the tip of the iceburg in regard to wielding the power of music.

N. Talekt

Interview: So Cold Pt 2

Just a quick note, the next part of the So Cold interview is up, you can listen below. More to come!

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7231532

N. Talekt

Interview: So Cold Pt 1

After a few technical difficulties this morning, here's the first part of an interview I did, talking about the upcoming mixtape, So Cold. More to come...

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7213949

So Cold Details

Just a quick update, expect more details on the So Cold mixtape to come very soon. It's finally wrapping up (quite nicely I might add) and there's some pretty exciting things going on with it that I'll be discussing as the release date approaches.

Speaking of which, I've finally settled on one -- February 3, 2009!

Either later today or tomorrow I'll post the first of a few interview snippets that I have discussing So Cold.

Stay tuned, it's gonna be a cold winter ...

N. Talekt

New Release: "Keep Dreaming"

First off, Happy New Year. Hope you all have a good start to 2009.

I'm hoping to do the same, kicking things off with a bunch of new material! Heading up the blitz is my latest release, "Keep Dreaming."

This is a more high-energy track than "Diamond" which highlights different perspectives of those involved in some of the trials I've been wading through lately, and presenting the bridge over these troubled waters. While it's certainly a different style of song than "Diamond," it's one of my favorites on the mixtape because it's not the typical type of track I perform and I enjoyed exploring that style. Once again, kudos to VybeBeatz on the production.

Yeah, it's hot. But don't just take my word for it: have a listen!

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7199443

More to come soon ... it's gonna be a cold winter ...

N. Talekt

New Release: Award Tour

This weekend, you voted, and "Award Tour" is the next release from "So Cold."

This is a fun, laid back track over a classic beat. I wanted to include this track on the mixtape not only because of the content, but also because it provides a bit of variety to the mixtape.

Anyway, have a listen or two and enjoy!

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7171185

N. Talekt

Upcoming Release: You Decide!

Before the holidays come roaring around the corner, I wanted to release another track that had a different vibe than "Diamond." On a side note, I've been getting a lot of good feedback on the song! Anyway, there are a couple up-tempo, fun tracks on "So Cold" and I wanted to share that with you as well, but I couldn't decide which one. Hence, the new poll! Which track would you like to hear?

1) Award Tour

A couple verses over a classic beat, I'm just having fun with this track and addressing some of the things going through my head as well as future aspirations.

2) Let's Talk It Over

Again, a couple verse over a great beat, with a couple tracks regarding the downside of relationships on the CD I wanted to make sure I covered the other end as well!

Anyway, both are fun tracks that I hope you'll enjoy. There should be a poll on the right where you can cast your vote as to which song you'd like to hear Monday. I'll post it up that morning based on the votes!

To help you decide, here's a couple snippets:

Edit: Track no longer available.

N. Talekt

Blog: Average Joe

Recently I was posed a very interesting question while discussing my mixtape and how it progressed (more on that later) as well as the music scene today:

What makes successful artists so successful?

I think what it really boils down to is how well an artist's fans can relate to them. The more people can relate to you, the greater following you will have. Now, I've never claimed to have a huge fanbase, following, or whatever you want to call it, but I do know there are people who appreciate the music I do and can relate to a lot of the work I put out, and that keeps them interested.

I feel like a huge part of the success of New York artists during it's last heyday (Diplomats, G-Unit) came from the fact that they personified exactly what so many people in popular culture were trying to be and trying to do, especially with 50 Cent, who's (authentic) story is widely known but also something people can understand and relate to. And once he moved further away from that, his (musical) success declined.

Eminem is (arguably) another example. In a prominently Black culture, to have a White representative stand out in the genre and be damn good at what he does was a huge culture shock. Now, this is not at all on the same level, but it could be argued that White artists saw Eminem's rise to prominence in the same light as Black people see Barack Obama's history-making achievement: people tend to relate to those most like them, and seeing someone like them in a place of prominence inspires them to believe that they, too, can get there. I think that factor played a sizable role in Eminem's widespread success but, that said, he has put out some quality music, period.

On smaller scales you have your Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West's, but the story can be generalized to the same principle -- they're just your Average Joe's that people can truly relate to. Nothing Kanye's written about has been off-the-wall; you get tales of his aspirations, his family, his struggles. His latest body of work, "808's and Heartbreak," is a quintessential example of what I mean. While the critics have already deemed this a throwaway album, I'm certain he will gain more fans with this and begin to separate himself from the pack. And yes, I enjoyed what I heard of the album.

All in all, I think that these artists success' stem from simply being someone you can relate to. I don't think it's about image, "swag," or prosperity.

At least, for the time being.

I definitely have a feeling this dynamic is going to change, and soon. I wish I could say what it's going to change to, but I certainly feel it will change. But, only time will tell.

N. Talekt

New Release: "Diamond"

The Cold has begun!

"Diamond" is a track highlighting a few of the the more personal things going on with me and trials I've been dealing with while at the same time trying to remain strong enough to keep doing the things I love to do, like music. There's more than enough going on in life to get us all sidetracked and it becomes quite easy to lose focus on what's important as well as lose sight of those thing you enjoy because you're forced to deal with what's in front of you.

While the track doesn't completely represent "So Cold"'s contents, I wanted this to be the first impression you get of the mixtape because does a good job in setting the overall tone of it. Not just topic-wise, but quality as well. Throughout "So Cold," the lyrics are witty and thoughful while the tracks are real and many times personal, and at the same time I hope it's an enjoyable listen. I'll go into this in more detail in a later posting.

For now, give "Diamond" a few spins. Kudos to VybeBeatz on the production here. Enjoy!

OR

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7111740

Upcoming Release: "Diamond" (So Cold) drops this Wednesday!

As the final touches are being put on the mixtape, I wanted to start releasing some material to give you all a taste of the music that's going to be on there. I've almost got the tracklist finalized, I am not sure of the number of tracks that will actually make it on there, but suffice to say the music is coming out very well so far and I'm anxious to get it completed.

Anyway, as I alluded to, I'm going to release the first track from the "So Cold" mixtape entitled "Diamond." It delves into a few things regarding my life and mindset and things I've had to endure between, well, the last time you've heard from me and now. This track should set the tone of the mixtape as I am open and brutally honest about my topics of discussion throughout the mixtape. I'll release production credits here when I drop the track.

See you here Wednesday!


... it's gonna be a cold winter ...

Mixtape "So Cold" is Official!

I'm pleased to announce that the mixtape is finally official!

It will be called "So Cold" and be released in January 2009. I decided to push it back as I wanted to include a few more songs on there that I just couldn't turn away from.

While I'm not quite ready to release the artwork or the names of any releases quite yet, I can tell you that new songs from the mixtape should be coming very soon, at least a couple in December!

Keep checking back often for the lastest news, reviews, and developments -- this blog is going to be very active in the coming weeks.

It's gonna be a cold winter...

New Release: "I'm Back!"

Just released some new material from me called "I'm Back!" -- I recorded this while prepping for the new mixtape, tentatively titled "So Cold." I'll do a few blogs about mixtape as the release date for that approaches. For now, do enjoy the new track -- it's the first one I've dropped in a good minute! Hope to release a few more in the near future. Lemme know what you think...

I'm Back:

OR
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7064767

Thanks,

N. Talekt