N. Talekt Presents: "Featuring... Me, Act 2"

It went so well the first time, I figured I'd do a follow up! Here's the second round, "Featuring... Me, Act 2!" With a mix of the hottest artists on Soundclick, some impressive up-and-comers, and, of course, yours truly, this is definitely a mixtape to catch. Get it from the following sites:

SoundClick.com: http://soundclick.com/NTalektFeaturingMe

Play the entire CD, learn about the artists on the mixtape, and get download links. Great source if you have a SoundClick.com account.

DatPiff.com: http://www.datpiff.com/N-Talekt-Featuring-Me-Act-2-mixtape.276639.html

If you're on DatPiff.com, this is the link for you. Listen and download the entire CD.

zShare: http://www.zshare.net/download/9518290970178a84/

Don't have a SoundClick.com or DatPiff.com account? Fine! Get all the tracks in ZIP format from zShare.

Enjoy! A lot of people worked hard to give you an enjoyable listen, make sure you support!

N. Talekt

Song Review: War Zone 2012

Song Review: "War Zone 2012 (f/ Chayse Maclair and Boss Game)" by Methodical
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11134580

In a prior review of a song by Methodical, we had a discussion about his beat selection.  I felt the beats weren't as strong as they could have been, lacking variation and dynamics needed for the style of song he was working with.  It was then that I recommended Life and Death Productions, a Soundclick-based production suite that provides just the kind of beats I felt Methodical would rock on.

This song is the first fruit of that labor.

Enlisting Chayse Maclair and Boss Game to sew up the track, Methodical chooses a somber, key-laden beat to paint the backdrop for his performance.  Although crippled by the mic and sound quality, you can tell the artist writes as is name is -- methodically.  Rhymes are placed in exact spots, and, much more importantly, the delivery here near flawless.  The emotion and energy is there, and it fits well with the beat.  It's a story of stress and struggle, and Methodical nicely walks the tightrope of being lyrical while keeping his story sensible.

Chayse is back on his hook game again, providing a great interlude between Methodical and Boss Game.  I'm not sure if the beat carries the artist or if he is just riding it that well, but either way, something about the hook just works.  I have heard a few hooks done by Chayse, and they can be hit and miss.  This one, for me, was hit.

Enter Boss Game.  Maybe it's because I'm on my laptop, but it sounds like BG's mic quality has degraded a bit since I last heard him.  Either way, Boss shows his versatility here, nailing this track lyrically, almost mimicking the style of Methodical in the beginning.  One difference here, though; Boss seems to stray in the latter part of the verse from internal struggle to external conflict.  Not sure if this was intentional or not, but it seems to work out nonetheless.

Overall, it's a somber song, one I feel you kinda need to be in the mood to hear.  I also feel like this song was hurt a bit from the poor quality of the first verse, and that's something you really can't make up for, not even with strong features.  Still, this is a pretty cool, low-key track that delivers lyrically and highlights Methodical's methodical progression.

But, of course, you won't understand what I mean unless you hear it for yourself:

N. Talekt

Song Review: No Mo

Song Review: "No Mo (f/ Ja Mar)" by Stat Boi
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10818072

Stat Boi and Ja Mar collaborate to put together "No Mo," a "no time for games" type of track.  Stat comes in first to deliver a solid introductory verse.  Confident behind the mic and down-to-earth, he turns out a verse that connects with the audience for the most part.  The biggest issue I had with this verse was the mix.  Some of the adlibs at the end of the lines were making it hard to actually hear the words.  Try panning them to the left around 20-40.  It will make a huge difference in clarity.  Also, backups are meant to be backups ... that is, they probably shouldn't be louder than your main vocals.

Still, I enjoyed this verse better than the second verse, which bring in to question, why even have a feature?  Don't get me wrong, Ja Mar doesn't have a terrible verse, it's just that it didn't blow me away.  I'm pretty greedy with verse space on my songs; I don't want a feature unless I know my feature is bringing something to the table I can't.  Maybe because of the song topic here; there's not much Stat could have said in a second verse that wasn't already said in first verse and hook.

Anyway, I digress.  The second verse was cool, but it seemed a bit low and some of the words weren't really spoken well (slurred, almost), making it hard to discern.  There's a difference in a southern accent and not speaking clearly, and having family in the Carolinas and south, I know this was a case of the latter.

One thing I must say about the hook, though.  When I first played the song, I had not actually checked for the title of the song, as I was preparing this blog entry.  The hook dropped and I could have sworn I heard a cow mooing in the background!  I later realized it was the artist harmonizing "Noo Moooo," but it didn't come out so well.  As I mentioned earlier, panning should certainly help here.

Overall, after that initial shock, the track was pretty cool, I thought.  It's not a track built with layers of thought, it's not going to stand the test of time.  But it's an enjoyable track that I'm sure people will be able to relate to and will get a sense of familiarity when they hear it.

All that said, check it out for yourself below:

N. Talekt

Song Review: "Daredevil"

Song Review: "Daredevil" by About Time & Asi Didi
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10582850

Daredevil, in short, was a song of highs and lows.

This short track had a cool vibe to it with the title really fitting the beat.  Plucked strings and strong rhythm move the beat along as artists About Time and Asi Didi lay down a bit of heat on the verses, with a short hook interluding.  Not sure if I'd call it a hook, really more of an interlude between a couple verses.  The two trade sets of bars in both verses, giving you a good taste of what both have to offer.

Honestly, the first artist (Asi Didi) is a bit of a turn-off here, an acquired taste, if you will.  This is mostly due to mixing, I believe.  The voice is a bit loud, possible near red-lining, and some of the backups are off, which really distracts.  I always advise that when mixing a track, if something doesn't enhance your track, it's hurting your track -- take it out!  You don't hear that sort of thing in a polished radio track, and it's not ok at the underground level either.  Line up your backups, or remove them.

The second artist (About Time) comes in and sounds like he has a much more polished mix, and, frankly, a more polished flow as well.  He seems much more comfortable behind the microphone and has a solid verse.  I feel like I could pay more attention to his verse than Asi's because there weren't any distractions (loudness, dueling voices, etc).  A good mix, good delivery, good verse.  Job well done.

This song sounds like it was recorded in two different studios -- that's the way of the web nowadays.  I'd recommend checking the track out to hear About Time's work; Asi needs to scrub the mix a bit before it can really be acknowledged, but otherwise, this sounds like a light, fun track with a nice beat to match.

But, as always, my words are just that -- words.  You'll have to listen to really form an opinion, so check out the song below:

N. Talekt

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