Upfront vocals and creative structuring of bars help inject a fresh level of intention to the alternative hip hop scene with this single from artist and rapper XTREAMX.
Showcasing a subtle balance between freestyle energy and pre-meditated word-play and set-up, been in my feelings starts off as a simple look at being the outcast, before progressing into a more confident gear switch in which more of the artist’s own story pours through.
The latter half gets deeply contemplative, honest and notably human – rather than reveling in familiar references and quirky rhymes, there’s a story to be told.
The sub-three-minute release crams more than a few details and aspects of the artist’s life into its progression, and meanwhile this fairly simple yet well-crafted beat weaves its hypnotic and professionally built aura around you in a manner that’s easy to engage with.
Taking hints from contemporary rap and retro sound-play alike, been in my feelings ultimately drives with a clean-cut vocal and a sense of honest clarity for the most part.
That freestyle impression works on occasion, then we unexpectedly get fragments of real life and struggle thrown in – which will likely pour through all the more so as further releases hit the scene. Mental pain and family difficulties, money issues, all come to light, but it’s subtle, and generally overpowered by a sense of self-belief and determination. Hopefully there’s more to come.
Check out XTREAMX on Apple, Soundcloud, Spotify & Instagram.
