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

Featuring... Me Preview Trailer

With 17 tracks showcasing the skills of a variety of artists, "Featuring... Me" is bound to be a hit with something to everyone to enjoy. But don't just take my word for it -- while the mixtape drops this Tuesday, June 7, you can get your fix now with the YouTube preview trailer below. Enjoy!

Keep up to date with news and the release of the mixtape, as well as find out more about the artists on the mixtape at http://soundclick.com/NTalektFeaturingMe

N. Talekt

Week of 5/8: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

This week gave some tough decisions as to the top five ordering, but for me, the final verdicts came down to replay value. What song would I play again? Here's the rather enjoyable list for the week:

He Man Huff - It's All On Me
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10608381

Boss Game - The Way I Be
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10598697

Chayse MacLair - I Aint Tossin In the Towel Remix
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10606870

Stat Boi - No Lie (f/ Jamar and Deshawanna)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10597267

Mic S. - I Am Just a Monster (f/ Boss Game & N. Talekt)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10610473

This week, He Man Huff snatches the top spot with "It's All On Me." Why? Simple: replay value. A simple track with three verses with storytelling lyrics cover personal topics for the artist in a way the listener can relate to. The hook ties the stories together well, just as a good hook should. The quality could be better mix-wise, put getting past that, the track is great. A big part of having a successful track is being able to have your audience not just enjoy your music, but feel you music. The more they can personalize their experiences with your music, the more they crave your work.

A close second this week comes with a rawkus Boss Game track, "The Way I Be." The beat drops and you can't help but nod your head. Boss rides the beat well here and the rest really takes care of itself. It's a track that sounds official, I could hear it in the car, the radio, the club. The quality is great, even the introductory ad-libs, which is typically where Boss Game's tracks falter. The single issue I had with this song was length and variation. I felt like there should have been a bridge and a third verse. That would have made this song out the park, giving it the variation it needs to be dynamic and repeat-able. As is, it's pretty cool, just missing the edge.

Right up there with the previous two is Chayse MacLair's effort. This track discusses Chayse's refusal to, well, toss in the towel. Chayse carries himself on the mic in a confident, consistent way that makes all of his tracks have potential for breakout success. This is no different. AllRounda supplies a nice backdrop and Chayse keeps the witty, interesting lyrics coming. The quality is pretty good, better than He Man Huffs but not quite as good as Boss Game. I think the bridge here, a missing link in Boss Game's track, was a swing and a miss -- good idea, wasn't feeling the execution.

Between these three tracks, it's hard to say which one shines the most. I would say pick a day, and I may give you a different answer. Today, at this moment, this order is how it shakes out. But frankly, it's a toss up. Chayse did an excellent job with his song this week, Boss Game's song had me rockin, and I was feelin' He Man's topics of discussion. Great job to the top 3 this week.

Now, the four spot is more clearly the four this week; don't get me wrong, I think it may have ranked higher on a less competitive week, but not on this occasion. Overall, the quality is ok, not bad, not perfect, from Stat Boi & company. The song is something to smoke to (which I don't, so maybe that's why I don't relate), with a well-delivered, but nonsensical hook. The verses were a bit pedestrian here, but I'm not sure if that wasn't on purpose. I was expecting a bit more from the girl, but she seemed to put her delivery on cruise control (could also be a mixing fail). Overall, the song comes out solid & I think the target audience would enjoy it, but not my cup of tea here.

For the final spot, a bias choice here rounds out the list with Mic S.'s psychotic track "I Am Just a Monster." Everyone goes in and delivers some nasty verses over a pounding, eerie beat. A fresh sound and a good outing overall.

As always, nice work this week by everyone, especially to the top three this week. Again, a tough decision that could have shaken out in a number of different variations, and I went back and forth with it for some time, but again, after listening to the track multiple times, the one that wore off the least was the one I left atop for today. I expect more of the same next week.

N. Talekt