Ian Matthew - "Feeling This Way"

In the past, I've made the mistake of covering music I didn't really enjoy simply to please an artist, an artist's PR, or a friend. In doing so, I compromised the integrity of the website I wrote for and I did damage to my own integrity.

So, when I started this blog, I promised myself I would not - no matter the circumstances - post/share/write about any content I did not genuinely fuck with.

Which brings me to Ian Matthew's latest release, "Feeling This Way".

I've had my ear on Ian's music for a while now, thanks to a connection I have with his team. And, I'll be blunt, I've never felt a real appeal to what I've heard or seen (hopefully no egos are injured in the writing of this post).

While I recognized dude had bars, my thoughts usually went something like this: a lot of people have bars, a lot of people can rap...what's setting you out from everyone else who can string words together and flow? The worst thing an artist can do, in my opinion, is pigeonhole themselves into a box or a category - let alone a category that is already over abundant in population.

I mean, Kendrick Lamar can rap. But he doesn't just kick dope bars with a smooth flow. He takes risks, he pushes boundaries, he creates an enigmatic presence with his entire self. Everybody knows K. Dot has bars, but he's known for way more than his lyricism.

So, what sets you apart?

Well, with "Feeling This Way", I finally heard something from Ian Matthew that I think showcases his versatility as an artist. The record is catchy and simple, but not in a dumbed down way - it's very well put together, juxtaposing Ian's bars with his open hearted crooning. The production is on a beautiful vibe that leaves me floating, and I really enjoy the guitar on the outro. From start to finish, I really found myself feeling and connecting to "Feeling This Way".

I get a sense that Ian stepped out of his "comfort" zone on "Feeling This Way" and, in doing so, he inadvertently stepped into a new lane of artistic growth and expansion.

"Feeling This Way" is available on all major streaming platforms.

Comments

Rudy - No Time

God willing, each and every person birthed into this world will grow up. Some of us may reach an old age, some of us may be called home earlier than others - but, in some form or fashion, we all will grow older. It's a funny thing, the way our society perceives age. In some cultures, the elders are held to the highest esteem - for they are the ones with the knowledge and experience to hold true wisdom. While many in our society praise youth and the physical beauty associated with being young, it is only through the experience of living life that one learns about the world, and in turn, has the capability to learn about their own being. And still, we tend to look down upon those who have been blessed to experience a long, full life. Perhaps it's because so many "old" people seem to live a life of regret, looking back on their youth with a mind full of "what ifs" and "should haves". While young individuals are rushing to reach maturity,

Watch Now: Aaron Cohen & Eklips in Paris (Video)

While in Paris - which appears to be one of his homes away from home at this point - Aaron Cohen bumped into Eklips outside a train station. With cameras rolling, the renowned beatboxer proceeded to drop Dipset's " Oh Boy " instrumental as Cohen does what he does best, lacing the France-based musician's rendition of the track with characteristically self-confident quotables. Check out the off the cuff collaboration below and be on the lookout for Cohen's upcoming RED NEW YORK project.

Raz Simone - "Your Hands" [prod. Antwon Vinson] (Video)

Often times in life, the hardest lessons to learn are the ones that lead to the greatest amount of personal growth and expansion. And, of course, it's always best to learn first hand, through experience, rather than through second hand story telling. Let's be honest, someone can drop knowledge on you time and time again but we, as humans, have a tendency to ignore that wisdom unless the Universe hits us with some personal experience. Regardless, on "Your Hands", Raz Simone takes it upon himself to share his experience with anyone willing to listen - not necessarily to benefit the listener, but to put into perspective his D.T.A. ( don't trust anyone) mentality. Shortly after the release of "Your Hands", Raz tweeted the following: "I genuinely don't expect a thing from another person but betrayal. I still keep hope and love for everyone tho. More and more from afar." While this may come across as a negative, pessimis

dopeness is what i like the most

Search This Blog