broken mirrors /x/ 1

                                                                                  

Broken mirrors aims to showcase the music of up and coming talent by drawing comparison to similar musical frameworks from more established artists. This is not attempt to accuse imitation nor proclaiming a lack of originality or uniqueness within the artists compared, but rather a means to use more well-known artists as reference points to disseminate music from budding artists across genres.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Before diving in, I want to give a shout out to pigeons and planes (https://pigeonsandplanes.com/) who inspired me to begin music writing and to scour every corner of the internet in search of unknown artists. I felt what better to honor them in my first blog than by ripping off their “If You Like” series. Here is my own rendition, “Broken Mirrors.”

Frank Ocean /x/ dijon                                    

     The influence of Frank Ocean is evident in almost all newcomers to R&B. Los Angeles based artist dijon is no different. Dijon’s affinity for progressive song structure exemplified in “Nico’s Red Truck” emulates Frank Ocean’s musical expeditions such as “Pyramids” and “Nights." Coupled with his laid back demeanor dijon almost holds his own in comparison to Ocean’s “too cool” persona (almost). One of the most interesting similarities between the two is their lack of reliance on pure vocal skill, instead focusing on structuring songs and layering production in ways that highlight their vocal strengths. However, despite such similarities dijon maintains his own unique sound and continues to showcase growth throughout the release of various singles over the past year. With his first solo album seemingly forthcoming in the near future he has the ability to have a breakthrough year reminiscent of the 2017 breakthrough of other Ocean-inspired artist, Daniel Caesar.    
Song recommendation: Nico's Red Truck     

                      

Meek Mill /x/ Q da Fool                                  

     DMV rapper and recent Roc Nation signee Q da Fool further showcases the talent residing in the often glossed over Mid-Atlantic. With an in your face style and aggressive street inspired lyrics Q da Fool fills the void left for when Meek Mill chopped his braids. Whether a sign of their geographic proximity or true inspiration, Q da Fool shares a similar cadence and annunciation to the MMG luminary which creates for decadent flows which transition smoothly from bar to bar. However, unlike Meek Mill’s more structured rhyme scheme, Q da Fool has a unique disposition to allow for over stuffing his lines with an immense number of syllables making it seem as if he could fall off beat at any moment. Yet somehow, he is able to maintain his grasp on the instrumental which creates a unique sound and palette cleanser to many other modern rapping styles. 

Song Recommendation: Where I Come From

The Weeknd /x/ Reece                                     

     Upon hearing the first note of Reece it’s obviously the immense vocal range and the ability to reach pitches that other male R&B artists could only dream of. Coupled with sultry reverb filled instrumentals Reese's follows The Weeknd’s seductive approach to neo-R&B music. While still maintaining an eerie sound full of heartbroken lyrics, Reece’s songwriting doesn’t delve into the drug induced darkness of The Weeknd’s Trilogy days. Another artist without an album out, we can look towards the future to watch the progression of one of the best raw vocal talents in R&B.

Song Recomonedation: Lost in Translation

Kodak Black /x/ GlokkNine

     GlokkNine is by far one of the most popular "Broken Mirrors" already having racked up millions of hits on YouTube. However, due to the lack of nationwide recognition as well as the uncanny resemblance of GlokkNine to his South Florida compatriot Kodak Black, the 18-year-old Cash Money signee is a necessary inclusion. Despite a similar Miami accented annunciation and adherence to a modern hip hop style GlookkNine is over the comparisons to Kodak stating in his song “Talm Bout”, “Talkin' 'bout the next Kodak, uh uh I wanna be GlokkNine.” Despite GlokkNine’s desire to separate himself from Kodak it is without question that Kodak has paved a lane for a new generation of rappers from South Florida. And as shown through rappers such as Young Thug (Lil Wayne) Gunna (Young Thug), Comethazine (madeintyo) there is more than enough room for rappers in the industry who share similar sounds. 

Song Recommendation: Talm Bout 

Anderson .Paak /x/ C.S. Armstrong   

     Just glancing at these two neo-soul/blues artists one could mistake them as brothers and after listening to their music the similarities only increase. Belting out emotion filled notes surrounded by jazzy instrumentation, it’s no surprise that both artists refined their skills within the choir stands of Baptist churches signing gospel tunes. The two are a breath of fresh air to many other modern artists while at the same time showcasing their roots in 70s soul, blues, and jazz. Armstrong, an eight-year Army veteran, showcases vast maturity in his songwriting while still maintaining moments of youthful musings and while .Paak ventures into rap inspired sounds on his newest release, Oxnard, Lewis has remained true to his blues roots. Another artist with no official solo album under their belt, Armstrong is a starlight within the burgeoning neo-soul scene. 

Song Recommendation: City in Ruins