Song Review: Music Saved My Life

Song Review: "Music Saved My Life" by Mic S.
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11143372

Right from the jump, I like the composition of the song.  The right beat, the right hook, and the right timing gave this song an all-important good first impression.  It properly sets the mood for Mic S.'s reflective song.

The story's about, predictably, how music has saved Mic's life.  Personifying music as a lady done wrong, Mic discusses how music has stayed by his side when all others have left.  Only music has kept him on the straight and narrow, when others wanted to pull him in other directions.  It was music that kept him out the streets, out a cell, and out of a grave.

A powerful message, indeed, but for some reason, there's a spark missing behind that power.  Perhaps it's in the mixing, or perhaps it's the energy level.  But, I feel thing song has the piece that it needs, it just needs a bit of a lift.  The hook is performed nearly to perfection, but it seems the verses may be performed a bit flatly.  Or, again, it could be the mix.  Either way, that takes away from what otherwise is a song well done; it's inspirational, the hook alone gives it replay value (not to mention a beat that goes hand-in-hand), and you can really feel the music and message in this one.

Overall, a track I've already played a few times now and not grown bored.  Then again, I can relate to this song very well.  However, Mic tells a truthful story about his life that you can't help but appreciate.  Simplifying the lyrics a bit to let the message shine through, this track *almost* hit's home.  Song well done.

But, as always, don't take my word for it, decide for yourself -- listen below:

N. Talekt

Song Review: Are We Still Friends?

Song Review: "Are We Still Friends?" by Je2Rit
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11122247

Ok, I know this one's gonna sound cliche', but I know I won't be the only person who thinks this when the song drops -- man, you sound just like Eminem!  Now, when I say that, that means everything it looks like on the surface.  Meaning that on the good side, you have a great flow; you're on point, you've got the right energy and performance skills, your presence is great, and with a good quality mix, you sound professional and right on point.  Now, that also means you sound almost indistinguishable from a lot of other rappers who "sound like Eminem," but I guess that comes with the territory.

That said, this track is definitely worth a couple plays.  It's a bit of a story, and if you know my work, you know how I get down with those.  The story behind it is familiar and easy to relate to -- friends separated.  J does a great job with being descriptive in his lyrics, painting a great picture throughout each verse, keeping a proper timeline going through the story.

The hook here is eerie, perfect for this tough yet somber beat.  It's performed very well and certainly catchy, you'll be saying it in your head after the song ends for sure.

Overall, I can't put my finger on what's missing from this track, but I feel like the "it" factor is missing here.  I think maybe it's because the track ends on a lower note than what I was expected -- I felt like I was waiting for a climax to the story and never got one.  Whatever the case is, this is a pretty cool track that, to me, is just missing ... something ...

But hey, maybe I'm wrong.  Decide for yourself and check it out below:

N. Talekt

Song Review: Facebook Hate

Song Review: "Facebook Hate" by E.J.A.Y.
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11128306

E.J.A.Y's a guy who's been around for a while on Soundclick and, though he's been quiet for a while, he certainly hasn't been idle. Most recently releasing his "The Bald Headed Bastard" CD, E.J.A.Y. submits a song from a different project, "No Hooks, All Kicks," strangely entitled "Facebook Hate."

True to the title, this track has a strong kick to it and no hook. Not just a drum kick, it's also a high-energy track both in the beat and the strong, polished delivery from E.J.A.Y. A few scattered rants interlude a couple verses that seem to be "insider" verses, addressing situations that will be obvious to people in the know.

The lyrics here come off as more of a freestyle, but at the same time, E rides the beat with ease making it a track that's easy to listen to. All the while, he seems to have some anger and flair to him, and that commands attention throughout the entire track.

Overall, this is a fun track. It's not the standout single for the project, I'm guessing, but it is easy on the ears and really makes you want to check out the guy's Facebook page to figure out the story behind the song! Nice plug for the page, but also a well-delivered track.

Hear the story for yourself:

N.

Song Review: Backwoods Smokin'

Song Review: "Backwoods Smokin (f/ Mizz K)" by Boss Game
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11131123

Katt Williams introduces this song with a sample from one of hit sets over Yung Lotto's haunting beat. From there Mizz K features on the hook to ease us into the track.  Therein lies the first issue I had with Boss Game's track here.  I felt like I was eased into this track, then suddenly smacked without warning by BG's double-time flow.  Not that it's bad, I just think that, musically, this would have benefited from coming in a little slower, then speeding up.

The hook itself is well-done, a duet, of sorts, between Mizz K and Boss Game.  I do have one hang-up here which I'll discuss in a bit.

From there, Boss Game lays down a couple verses about, predictably, backwoods smoking.  Don't blink though, or you might miss it!  The first verse, as I mentioned, comes in with a quick flow that's performed pretty well.  One thing throughout this song noticeable about Boss Game is his demanding mic presence.  He does a good job at commanding the microphone and giving a strong, confident delivery.  That was evident in the first verse especially.  The second verse was also well done, though a little sloppy at the very beginning, it comes together well.

One of the highlights of this track is the production from Yung Lotto.  This eerie, haunting beat works very well with an almost ghastly hook performed by Mizz K, and the two in tandem are very catching.  This is another reason I would have enjoyed a slower flow here -- the haunting nature of the beat and the haunting nature of the hook combined perfectly for this song, but the delivery of the verse is also conflicting, at least to me.

Overall, this is a solid track for the smokers, but one thing that should be improved here is the mastering.  The track, even for a Soundclick.com song, is a bit hot and vocals could be lowered here to make this a little easier on the ears.  Also, Boss Game's bass could be lowered to make him more audible to the untrained ear.  Try lowering your lows / lifting your highs, and also simply taking some of the bass away in your mix.  Your voice will sound a bit more pristine, which helps when you're doing the double-time flow.

All in all, a solid, well produced track, and it looks like Boss Game simply will not slow down; hot off the heels of releasing "Grown Man Music," his next project seems to pick up right where he left off.

But don't just take my word for it, hear it here:

N. Talekt

Song Review: Boss Pimpin' 2011

Song Review: "Boss Pimpin' 2011" by Boss Game & Jo-Kane
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11126595

Ok, so I'm not gonna lie:  "The Lady in My Life" is one of my favorite songs by Michael Jackson, so when this track dropped, I flipped out!  So I certainly appreciated not only the sample at the end of the track, but also the homage paid in the hook.

Speaking of which, the hook was actually very well done, so kudos to Boss Game here.  Boss Game transitions from singing/harmonizing to rapping just as well as anyone else I've heard.  I feel like the first verse could have been a bit longer to make the song flow a bit more naturally, but it still works.

Both Boss Game and Jo-Kane contribute with a pimpin'-themed verse with all the usual caveats covered.  Both ride the beat with ease, making the entire song an easy and smooth listen.  Jo-Kane has a smoother verse here than the first, which works here as it's a smooth way to end the song; the more excitable flow of Boss Game would have been a bit jarring if it came later in the track.

Overall, while the verses flow very well, I wouldn't say they contribute anything spectacular.  There weren't "stand-out bars," so to speak, but this wasn't that type of track.  The verses did their jobs tying the song together, staying on theme.  Neither is a let-down, and somehow actually complete the song as hook are typically used for.  In this case, though, the hooks stand out and really make the song for me.  They were performed well, and the beat had me rockin' the entire time.

So, a fun song here that's definitely worth a listen or few, and if you're a fan of Michael's version, you'll be groovin' to this in no time.

As always, don't take my word for it, hear it yourself:

N. Talekt

Behind the Scenes of "So Gone"

November 1 is the release of the music video for "So Gone," one of the singles from my upcoming project "In My Loving Memory." More info on that project coming soon, but right now, check out Part 1 & 2 of the behind the scenes footage for the video!

Behind the Scenes, Part 1

Behind the Scenes, Part 2

N. Talekt

And So It Begins...

Short and sweet post here...

Here's the first piece off of a much bigger picture called "In My Loving Memory" coming November 15th. It's called "Feelin' Good." Play, download, share, enjoy!