Alternative Hip Hop from mase J

Derby’s mase J has been steadily building a reputation as an alternative rap artist, and his latest single “head//heart” shows why. The track is the lead single from his upcoming EP photodump//exit left, and it’s a snapshot of scattered memories that details both sides of the spectrum of masculinity and vulnerability.

mase J lays it all out on “head//heart”, with lyrics that deal with love, toxic masculinity, and vulnerability. The track opens with allusions to the nursery rhyme ‘head shoulders knees and toes’, but quickly transitions to unflinching honesty about the struggles of navigating relationships. “She say she love me and I believe that, keep it one hundred I probably need that,” mase J raps over a mellow beat to craft a laid-back hip hop vibe.

The track is just under two minutes, but in that short time, mase J manages to convey a lot of emotion. He talks about the grief that coexists with masculinity and vulnerability, and how it can be difficult to balance the two. The chorus features the repeated line “dead, I wish I was dead and gone”, which adds a bittersweet quality to the track. mase J’s voice is oaky and soulful, and it adds a layer of depth to the track that’s hard to ignore.

It’s clear that mase J is dealing with some heavy issues, including mental health, heartache and loneliness. But despite these struggles, he’s using his sound as a guide and is emerging from the haze with a renewed sense of purpose. “head//heart” is a step towards bettering himself and purging old demons, and it’s a promising glimpse of what’s to come on his upcoming EP.

The production on “head//heart” is noteworthy, with POPPA handling the beats and providing a subtle groove that underpins mase J’s vocals. The acoustic guitar riff that runs through the track adds a folksy touch, while the bassline is understated but effective. The track is a great showcase for mase J’s vocal talent and songwriting abilities, and it’s clear that he’s growing as an artist with each new release.

Overall, “head//heart” is a reflective and poignant track that showcases mase J’s ability to convey emotion through his lyrics and vocal delivery. The track is a great teaser for his upcoming EP, and it’s clear that mase J is poised to make a big impact in the alternative rap scene. With his soulful voice and honest lyrics, he’s an exciting artist with a turbulent spirit that’s impossible to ignore.

Commenting on the single, he shares, “This song is about being torn between head and heart, love and ego. I wrote it when I was younger in a relationship going through trust issues and found it hard to gain the trust of my other half. I was in a space where I was susceptible to the outside world and it would influence my decisions causing my relationship to break down. At the same time as I was giving my all trying to make things work, I was torn. I lost a lot of love and learnt a lot of lessons. Hoping this theme is transparent in my lyrics.”

Listen to head//heart below

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