But I'm Not A Critic Though

Platform that cultivates positive and unique and perspectives on music influenced and created by people of color.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Free Thoughts: Falling in love with words again

I’ve missed sitting down and writing words. Any words at all.

For the past few years, writing has been a chore. I can’t make that sound any prettier, unfortunately. It’s been rough for a multitude of reasons:

Feeling stifled by perceived time availability

Fear of not writing something worthwhile

Writer’s block

And a few others that aren’t readily coming to me

Today (January 21st, 2023), I found the inspiration to sit down and scribble some words and then type them into this post. I appreciate the inspiration for showing up exactly when I need it. Short aside, being left-handed means getting ink of the side of my hand because it never dries fast enough.

This time last year, FKA Twigs dropped this wonderful project titled Caprisongs. I’m listening to it right now. I love every single song on it. No skips for me. FKA Twigs is one of my favorite artists of the 2010s. I’ve mentioned her on the podcast numerous times but more praise can’t hurt, right? Twigs’ artistry is propelling my urge to be free and write. And why wouldn’t it?? She’s so cool. A dancer, visionary, and all-around fun person in addition to being a talented recording artist. She always pushes the envelope and tests the lengths of boundaries in her music and beyond. I aspire to embody more of those qualities in my writing.

To quell my hang-up of writing on this platform without a music-related aspect, I created a playlist to go along with this post. Look at me go!

Apple Music and other platform users, PLEASE use this free website to convert the playlist. I swear by it!!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Good Music Never Dies T-Shirt

**Allow 2-4 weeks turnaround time.

100% garment dyed tee 6.1 ounce ringspun cotton Soft washed garment dyed fabric Pre-shrunk. Set-in sleeves 3/4¨ ribbed collar with double-needle top stitched neckline Double needle stitched armhole, sleeve and waist hems Taped neck shoulder to shoulder

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: Fresh Finds Playlist

Fresh Finds is back!

Took the summer off to jumpstart the podcast and now we’re here. Woohoo! In that time I found the tagline for the playlist (and BINACT in general honestly):

”Let us do the digging so you don’t have to.”

Highlights:

Episode 6 of the podcast heavily influenced this month’s playlist.

I love AE The Cool. Her voice is amazing! She released her latest project, Dora’s Soul in June.

Sango. That’s it. That’s the highlight.

You can find this playlist on Spotify but click here if you’re an Apple Music, Tidal, or other streaming service user. You can convert to the service of your choice! It’s easy.

[butimnotacriticthough]

My Bae Monday: Bubba - Kaytranada

The tweet says it all, right? The masses had 5 months to sit with this album and what a wonderful time its been. If you’re like me you’ve played the entire album nonstop hundreds of times already. But…what if you’re NOT like me and you haven’t heard it yet? Forgot Kaytranada dropped a project? DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO KAYTRANADA IS?! Don’t fret. I’ve calmed down and I’m ready to talk and give you some insight.

Kaytranada is a Canadian producer that starting making noise back in the early 2010s. I remember listening to him around 2013/2014 when he made different Hip-Hop and R&B remixes that gained popularity on Soundcloud. For those of you that are uninitiated, now you have some background. Next step, listen to the album. Please don’t make me twist your arm. Do it.

Are you back? Alright let’s go.

Kaytranada songs are unforgettable because he intentionally crafts them that way. Bubba, his second full-length album, showcases his versatility and a signature sound. He blends sounds and vocals from Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, and Electronic genres to create larger than life tracks. His production choices are hard to ignore and easy to enjoy. Kaytranada’s music doesn’t need an essay with a ton of background history because the music is super accessible. There are recognizable aspects of multiple genres that bring you closer to his style of production. It helps that he has recognizable names to accompany the familiar sounds. Pharrell, Estelle, Tinashe, SiR, and Kali Uchis are a handful of secured features. And don’t let the big names fool you. They only add to the greatness of the album.

Bubba is an album that should be enjoyed in its entirety. Of course there are multiple, if not all, tracks that make great playlist boosters but Bubba is best experienced as a full album. Seriously. These days many of us take the art of arranging an album for granted but Kaytranada and his team did an excellent job on Bubba. The album has syrupy sweet spots and soaring highs. All of which you are subject to miss if you just choose the top streamed track from *insert streaming service here*. The transitions are effortless. No matter how many times I’ve listened to the album, moving to the next song still catches me off guard. Listening to the album is close to experiencing a live DJ set.

Here are my favorites. I enjoy the full album but these are my stuck places: Go DJ, Need It, Freefall

I hope I convinced you to check out the album or give it another spin if you haven’t heard it in a while. Hit me up in the comments or on social media to tell me how the album made you feel!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five: Birthday Jams

This post is dedicated to @MattyLa1987 who made this hilarious (and pretty spot-on) meme.

Today is BINACT’s 5th birthday. BINACT is a whole toddler outchea. I’m surprised this idea didn’t hit me sooner but usually, I’m planning for a HUGE anniversary show so my head isn’t clear. There’s no show this year (and there wasn’t one in the works) BUT celebrations are happening all May.

Let’s talk about 5 birthday songs that are sure to make your birthday (or any day) fun!

It’s My Dog Birthday - T-Pain

When I heard this last February I couldn’t wait to get to my birthday in March. T-Pain is a heavyhitter in the game and this song feels like early 2000s with the right amount of current sauce. Do yourself a favor and check this entire album out.

Birthday - Katy Perry

Katy is one of my favorites. Her spunky approach to Pop draws me to her. This is a song you can turn on any day.

Birthday - Destiny’s Child

Not sure how I didn’t wake up playing this song. This is the chillest birthday song I can think of immediately.

The Birthday Party - The 1975

An atypical birthday song. Actually this one is specifically about the party itself. The lyrics are rugged while the beat is breezy. You can run this one on any given day for the story alone.

Happy Birthday - Childish Major (ft. SZA, Isaiah Rashad)

I had to search for this one. I didn’t know this song existed but now I do. Another upbeat yet dark birthday song from an Atlanta favorite.

If you’re having a birthday, half-birthday, or want to celebrate like it’s your birthday, give these a spin!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: Fresh Finds

April’s playlist went out to the email subs 2 weeks ago. Here’s the direct link for everyone else!

This month I kept it short. Initially, I only added 6 songs. My goal is to keep these balanced with a mix of mainstream and independent songs spanning different genres.

Here are a couple of highlights:

KVII dropped his long-awaited album, Babylon Zero yesterday

Contour was scheduled to go on tour this spring. They can’t go but you can make sure to support them by streaming their latest drop on this playlist.

Amethyst artists, Khemo and Chase Jams have songs on this playlists.

Playlist is on Spotify but click here if you’re an Apple Music, Tidal, or other streaming service user. You can convert to the service of your choice! It’s easy.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five: Comforting Songs

Part of the beauty of music is that it can evoke emotion almost on command. Just a few opening notes of a song can make you want to party, make love, or even fight. No matter the mood you want to get in there’s a song for that, and changing your mood is as simple as changing your playlist. 

With the effects of COVID-19 sweeping the globe, many people are scared, nervous, and anxious. Our run-of-the-mill uncertainties are now compounded by the fact that we’re unable to leave our homes and we may be risking our lives if we do. As we navigate this new normal, we should keep in mind that music is still here to evoke the emotion we need at this moment.

So wrap yourself in that weighted blanket and a glass of wine and check out these five mellow songs to soothe, comfort, and heal in these perilous times. 

Quincy Jones - Everything Must Change

No matter how dark things look right now, remember everything must change.

Stevie Wonder - Ribbon In The Sky

Without the rain, there would be no rainbow in the end.

 Duke Ellington & John Coltrane - In a Sentimental Mood

Sometimes words just get in the way.

 The Internet - You Don't Even Know Ft. Tay Walker

This is the perfect time to let the people you care about know how you feel.

Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness

It’s about to be the craziest summer we’ve ever seen.

Share some songs that brought you some joy or relief over the past few weeks!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Thank Your Producers - Badonthetrack [mini profile]

The BeatConn Producer Battle seems like ages ago even though it’s been two months. I’m so thankful I got to witness some of the best producers in the Southeast duke it out (and be invited as a judge)! Amongst the talent, I made sure to speak to 16 year old, Badonthetrack. Two weeks ago I coordinated with his school, work, and practice schedule to chat about life, music endeavors, and his ideal record deal.

Bad fell into producing by way of rapping. As he wrote bars in his room at 12, his mom gave him constructive criticism and suggested that he try a different route. A couple of Fruity Loops sessions later and a young star was born. He’s already secured several placements by utilizing social media to share his work with other artists. Bad credits his word of mouth connections for his early success. He’s looking forward to sharing beats with Lil Baby, Migos, and Drake as well as some peers in the local scene. His exclusives aren’t cheap so come correct when shopping for beats.

Bad makes sure to keep his work/life balance in check to maintain his good grades and steady income. When he’s not making beats, he’s catching up on schoolwork and keeping up with basketball workouts. He even finds time to treat a young lady right, adding FaceTime to his beatmaking sessions.

When the time is right, Bad aspires to make so much money that he can spend without consequences. If he decides to sign to a label it would be one that gave him creative control. Or maybe create his own? His next steps are building his YouTube channel, contemplating culinary school, and moving out of Columbia.

Don’t forget to thank Bad or any one of your favorite producers!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Rhythm & Balance

Did Young M.A.’s tweets about R&B highlight a bigger issue?

**Header photo: Johnny Nunez—WireImage

Two weeks ago, Rapper Young M.A. caused a rumble on the internet with her take on the state of R&B music and her perceived imbalance in the music industry. With a take like that, many fans and artists chimed in. PJ Morton, 6lack, and others felt like it was lazy and a short-sighted POV. Here are my two cents.

On the surface level, you’d assume that it doesn’t land since R&B is in a better space than in years past. Summer Walker, H.E.R., Ari Lennox, Snoh Aalegra, Sir, Jhene Aiko, and countless others are making their marks in the current landscape of music. R&B is charting and pushing numbers in the streaming era. “So, Young M.A. is wrong. She doesn't know what she is talking about.” Slow down, my truth in what she is saying lies in the second half of the tweet.

There is big business in nostalgia in today’s marketplace. Nostalgia is something that all mediums are dealing with. R&B provides a balance in the music landscape compared to the more prominent genres like Hip-Hop (specifically Trap and Trill). R&B has evolved over the years and fused with its Hip-Hop counterpart. In terms of content, one could argue that R&B has become more introverted compared to the declarations and emotions of love in years past. Let’s revisit the balance argument. Many would point out that the top sub-genre in R&B is Alternative R&B. Again not a bad thing, but too much of a singular sound can make the genre appear to be a one-trick pony, even if it's not.

Which brings me to my next point:

Can you honestly say that you are aware of the new R&B acts when they drop? Probably not, and if you say that you do then you are lying. There is so much music out there that it is easy to miss. Unless they have a viral hit from social media, major backing from a label, or have their song on a featured Spotify or Apple Music playlist, you can easily miss them. At peak popularity, all of the sub-genres of R&B were reported and showcased just as much as their counterparts. There were many outlets but now there are fewer. We as fans/consumers have a role by championing these individuals and projects. Word of mouth is still the best way to get the message out.  For every Chris Brown or Ella Mai there is a Daley or JMSN that needs shine as well.

Balance.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: Fresh Finds Playlist - March

Spring is around the corner…

And the weather is confused as always. It’s International Women’s Month and my birthday is Saturday so this playlist has a lot of my spunk and personality.

You can get this playlist first if you subscribe to my email list or you can wait until it hits the blog, whatever floats your boat.

**Note: If you’re an Apple Music, Tidal, Google Play, Amazon Music, or whatever streaming service I missed user, you can use Soundiiz to convert the playlist to your preferred service!

[butimnotacriticthough]

Thank Your Producers - Yang. [mini profile]

We stan all musical magicians able to turn 808s, strings, hi-hats, and synths into sonic heaven, nostalgia, and joy. Those who excel in orchestration, music theory, and arrangement are the ones we should be sure to champion; for without them, would we really have the glory of music? As a director is to a film, the music producer is essential to the songs we love and listen to.

This is Thank Your Producers: a series made for celebrating beatsmiths globally. 

This first edition will feature elusive Columbia, SC producer Yang. known for rhythmically lending his talents to many of SC’s popular performing artists, including, but not limited to, JDanzo, Randi Solaire, Emperor Timeline, and Fuego X of 803TheClique, R&B temptress SunRhe’ and many more. With a sound that could tastefully be considered the brainchild of boom-bap and lo-fi with a tinge of experimental jazz, Yang.’s production is where  R&B and Hip-Hop flourish and have a safe space to land. 

With beginnings as a classically trained pianist, Yang. has a skillful, precise ear that he’s honed over 10+ years. At first listen, you’d be surprised to find out Yang. is native to Columbia, SC because he exudes an abundance of soul and fervor unlike artists in the area. I had the chance to take a closer look at his influences and I can definitely understand why he’s been given the moniker, “Old Man Yang”. He’s no older than 22 with the energy of a John Coltrane loving uncle. During sessions, it’s easy to distinguish his work ethic from those who came to play. But as serious as he is about his craft, there’s virtuous, joyful energy he carries in person; quick to flash a grin or crack a sarcastic joke. There’s so much life in his production that begs to question more about his origin story. Maybe we’ll hear the details of that when his music gets big(ger). I’d be interested to hear him take on more collaborations and explore his wide range of talents. But that’s the beauty of youth, so much time to develop and grow.

Some of my favorite tracks in the Yang. collection are: 

heartbreak anthem “Somebody” by Randi Solaire ft. Niecy Blues

ethereal, up-tempo banger “Mercy” by SunRhe’

classic “Foolish” by Emperor Timeline ft. Goose Rage

The newest addition to this list is SunRhe’s “Trance”. The vibe sounds like sex, sage, and chocolate (you can stream this today btw). I’m also feeling his work on Brooklyn prospect Medhane’s “Always”. Medhane is a Pitchfork stamped artist who’s making waves on the Beast Coast. 

Tap in today. This producer has a bright future ahead of him and he has the tools to make a difference.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five: A Love Story in Five Parts

Do you remember back in the day when we used to pass notes in school? Before sliding into someone’s DMs, we’d slide carefully folded hand-written notes to the person we had a crush on. We’d pour out our hearts on wide-ruled notebook paper in hopes that our well-crafted note would gain our crush’s attention and a young love affair would soon begin. Being in our early teens none of us had the words to completely describe our feelings, but we could always rely on song lyrics to say what our youthful hearts could barely describe. Sometimes, the whole note would be nothing but the verses of a popular R&B love song, word for word. 

Love songs are ubiquitous. They’ve existed since the very beginning of music and appear in every genre. Despite being a pervasive topic in music, love songs still continue to be made to this day. We’re constantly finding new ways to describe and profess our love for one another even in the turbulent times we currently live in. 

No matter what emotion we may be feeling or what we may be experiencing, there’s a song that perfectly describes the situation. Love is no exception. So in celebration of love songs, here are five songs that tell the story of love from its beginning to forever.

A Crush

Alicia Keys - You Don’t Know My Name

“Baby, baby, baby

From the day I saw you

I really really wanna catch your eye”

The feeling of seeing someone from across the room and instantly becoming infatuated can be exhilarating. All the while, you can only hope that they feel the same way about you.

New Love 

Common - The Light

“I never knew a luh, luh-luh, a love like this

Gotta be somethin' for me to write this”

After finally breaking the ice and beginning a relationship, the newness of it all is like a high. Learning each other and opening ourselves up to be vulnerable builds the foundation for years to come.

The Proposal

Case - Happily Ever After 

“I will be your man

Your protector, your best friend

Till my humble life is ended

And time begins again”

Some may call it nothing more than a piece of paper, but to others, it’s a lifelong commitment made in front of God, man, and the federal government. If you like it, put a ring on it… for life!

Marriage

Kindred The Family Soul - Far Away



“I wanna go to a place where lovers go

Do the things that lovers do

No stress

A sweet caress from me to you”’

After the “I do’s”, the day to day happenings of marriage can put you in a rut. It’s wise to remember that you need to get back to those things that drew you together in the first place. 

Eternal Love 

Chrisette Michelle - A Couple of Forevers

“You and me are built like armor

Nothing can stop love from loving on us

And I'm not asking you for much

A couple of forevers”

Love has its ups and downs, but when you find someone who can share in it all and still stand by your side, you’ve found something worth holding on to. Love that truly lasts forever is a beautiful thing. 

[butimnotacriticthough]

Who Dat Wednesday: Fresh Finds Playlists

Hay, wassup, hello?!

It’s February and I finally feel like I’m in the groove of 2020. How are y’all feeling about the new year? There’s already tons of music to chat about and I’m ready for it!

Let’s start here with the new monthly playlist series, Fresh Finds. At the tippy top of every month, I’ll drop 10 songs that fell in my lap that I want to share with you. They may come from a friend recommendation, the Music Monday posts on IG (get hip), or my usual perusing of music sites and playlists. Then, every Friday I’ll add one or two more.

**Note: These songs are new to me (maybe they’ll be new to you too).

[butimnotacriticthough]

Yummy is Cringe [Op-Ed]

…and the marketing tactics are indicative of a larger problem.

“Yeah, you got that yummy-yum

That yummy-yum, that yummy-yummy”

By now you’ve probably heard the catchy but cringey song, willingly or forcefully. Maybe you’re a Belieber. Maybe your favorite influencer randomly posted about it on their social media accounts while you were blissfully looking for memes. Either way, you’ve heard it.

Additionally, you’ve probably heard about the controversy surrounding Justin Bieber’s latest release. If not, here is a quick synopsis: In an attempt to get his song to the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the singer posted multiple videos and social media posts, which included this now-deleted “fan-made” graphic below:

Creating a playlist with “Yummy” on repeat. Playing the song at a low volume while you sleep. Suggesting using a VPN service to place the fan's location in the US, if they are located outside the country, so that streams will count toward US Billboard numbers. What?! A lot of these marketing tactics remind me of a desperate type of hypnosis. Everything about this is strange. You could expect this ploy from a rookie artist but not someone of Justin Bieber’s stature. This coming from a veteran of the music game and his manager/music industry power player, Scooter Braun, (who sourced these fan-made Beiber fan accounts) feels wrong. 

Well, Bieber wasn’t the only artist to do so. A few weeks later, Selena Gomez, did something similar for her new album, “Rare”. Note: Gomez stated on her Instagram account that her begging fans to stream and buy her album felt “unauthentic”. Another huge mainstream artist who used this approach in the past is Chris Brown. These artists have one thing in common…they are housed under Universal Music Publishing Group, which has been accused of dabbling in the murky practice of artificially inflating streaming numbers with bots and streaming farms. It’s funny that this comes in the wake of the largest technology groups, record labels and music publishers (including Spotify, Amazon, Universal Music Group, Warner Music and Sony Music) agreeing to a “code of best practices” to combat inflated music streaming numbers. This agreement was implemented in June of 2019; seven months later this these occurrences arise (Justin and Selena’s back to back.

These unsavory practices are not new within the music industry. The first thing that comes to mind is payola being used to get songs played on the radio and atop major music charts. However, this latest controversy highlights a bigger problem within the industry. What is a stream really worth? Are the reported numbers accurate and unbiased? According to an article in the Financial Times, “These bots pose as human listeners, inflating streams by up 4% and costing the music industry $300 million a year by one account.” At a recent industry conference Entertainment Lawyer, Jordan Bromley spoke on the matter and how it relates to record companies and artists. ”They don’t have the data at their disposal to know how many streams have been purchased, or what that dollar amount equates to.” 

Here’s another question that speaks to the state of music. If all of the smoke and mirrors resulting in fraud are commonplace in the streaming era, how many or few people are listening, or even paying any attention to the artists’ bodies of work? That’s another topic for another day.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five: Protest Songs

In some instances, we can debate if life reflects art or if art reflects life, but there is no dispute when it comes to protest songs. From national politics to local unrest, protest songs succinctly articulate the frustrating experiences of the disenfranchised. While some choose to express themselves by marching in the streets or working within the system to evoke change, musicians have consistently contributed to political dissent by providing the soundtrack for the movement. Combining compelling rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, artists both provide fuel for those involved in creating change and bring awareness to those who are unaware of the challenges we face as a society. Not everyone can participate in a sit-in or choose to run for City Council, however, protest songs shine a light on the issues of the day and allow all who may desire to take part in political protest. 

So, here are five protest songs that give voice to the issues of their time. You’ll likely find that despite the era of the songs, we’re facing many of the same issues today.

Public Enemy - Fight The Power (1990)

Fight The Power illustrates the importance of music as a vessel to educate and energize with the opening bars of the second verse.

As the rhythm's designed to bounce,What counts is that the rhyme's

Designed to fill your mind.

Now that you've realized the pride's arrived,

We got to pump the stuff to make ya tough.

Kendrick Lamar - Alright (2015)

In the wake of a rash of police shootings of young black males, Kendrick summarized how it felt to be looked at as a target while refusing to let the situation get the best of him. The chorus “we gon be alright” was frequently heard being chanted as protesters marched against police brutality.

The Honey Drippers - Impeach the President (1973)

Despite only having two verses consisting of eight bars total, the message of the song is clear and to the point. Proof that protests can be dance-able, Impeach the President endured beyond the Nixon era and also became one of the most sampled drum breaks in hip hop.

Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come (1964)

Released during the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, A Change is Gonna Come articulates how weary one can become from fighting for basic human dignity yet still maintaining hope that one-day things will be different.

Queen Latifah - U.N.I.T.Y. (1993)

Street harassment, domestic violence, and self-hate, unfortunately, are not new occurrences. U.N.I.T.Y. was (and to a certain degree still is) a unifying anthem for women demanding respect from men and each other.

What are some other memorable protest songs?

[butimnotacriticthough]

Friday Five: Create Your Own Music Festival

It’s summertime.

The news told us 2019 has been the hottest recorded summer on this planet. The temperatures are consistently in the upper 80s/90s and a lot of music is dropping right now. It also means that we are in peak festival/concert season. Whether it’s Rolling Loud or ONE Music Fest, there are plenty to choose from no matter what your taste is. 

We’ve all thought about making our own concert or festival lineup. There is a website called Festify which creates a festival lineup based on your Spotify activity. This inspired me to write about my own dream line up.

My list isn’t based on my Spotify activity but to make this line up interesting the musical acts that I chose were based on certain parameters:

Only five acts can be chosen (a collective group will count as one act)

Grammy winners are not allowed to be picked

The chosen acts are rising artists and/or under the radar

Without further ado, here is my “fantasy booked” concert/festival lineup:

Deante’ Hitchcock

Since seeing him perform on tour in D.C. with Rapsody I have kept an eye out for this Atlanta native. Working with the likes of Dreamville, H.E.R., Goldlink, and others, he is an artist that you will become more familiar with as time passes. His flexibility across Hip-Hop and R&B genres is a testament to the fact that his pen will flourish in any pocket. The infectious energy that he brings to his stage show will convert you into a fan by the end of the night.

Emotional Oranges

If you’re not a part of the “Citrus Squad”, what’s taking you so long? The mysterious R&B collective is one of the freshest acts out right now. Their nostalgic funky disco-like bassline groove mixed with vulnerable lyrics for the internet age has hooked many listeners. Many of the stops on their first headlining tour were sold out. If that’s any indication for what they can do starting out, they have a bright future ahead of them.

Ari Lennox

To make this festival well rounded you need a little bit of soul to balance things out. Ari Lennox’s new wave of R&B includes a playful nature of sound mixed with honest and relatable lyrics about relationships and self-discovery draws comparisons to that of the greats. The vibe on her records is translated in her live performances as well. Ari has the tools to become like the icons that she looked up to while growing up.

YBN Cordae

His singles and freestyles have caught the ears and eyes of many with his flow. For all the buzz that Cordae has garnered since coming on the scene, his fans and new outlookers were anticipating a major release. His debut album "The Lost Boy" catapulted that upward trajectory with a project that showcases that he is wise beyond his years and built for the long haul. With credits from H.E.R., Dr. Dre, Pusha T, it’s evident that the 21-year-old’s has lots of potential and staying power.

Griselda Records (Westside Gunn, BENNY, and Conway)

Any concert or festival needs a little edge to it and that edge would come from Buffalo, NY. Griselda Records. If Griselda Records were a stock, I’d buy a couple of shares. In a time where a lot of rappers sound alike, Westside Gunn, BENNY, and Conway are the exception. Their lyrical prowess over haunting boom-bap beats is reminiscent of the early to mid 90’s Rap. While they might not be as under the radar as some of the artists I mentioned previously, this collective is having a hell of a run in 2019 and on the verge of graduating from the underground.

[butimnotacriticthough]

Jam Young - Trail Off (ft. Cole Connor & H3RO)

Today I’m going to do something a little different. I don’t have a formal write up for this song but I still wanted to put something out about it. In lieu of the usual write up, I’m going to hit you with a stream of consciousness type overview of this new release from Jam Young out of Queens, NY.

First things first, I met Jam Young almost an entire year ago when he opened up for Ras Kass at his stop in Columbia, SC. His on stage energy is undeniable and that presence is translated in all of his songs.

“Trail Off” came at a perfect time for me personally. Coming off the anniversary of my 4th year, I’m discouraged about being creative but I’m making strides to keep going. Jam, Cole, and H3RO echo a similar sentiment in their verses. We’re all curious to know what it will take for the work to finally pay off. Song content is a huge component of this song but DJ Ray Blk made great choice with a slower, simpler melody for this track. He deserves props for his perfect ear.

I asked for some words from regular contributors, Adrian and OG. Here’s what they had to say:

OG

High energy delivery over a mid-tempo beat

Relatable lyrics for anyone trying to make it by following their own path

"Grind Music" comes to mind as a brief description

I like that the chorus doesn't repeat after the 3rd verse and the song actually "trails off" Also, the melody "trails off" during the b-chorus

Good production helps tell the story of the song as much as the lyrics

Adrian

Overall I liked the song. The content of the song is definitely there. If I was arranging an album I would most likely put it as the last song to close out the project just because of the message and how the third artist ended his verse.

If you needed a sign to keep pushing, this is it.

Stream and purchase “Trail Off” on all platforms!