Icon MagikMane is an artist who takes the rhythm and soundscape style of much of modern hip-hop and places upon it his own unique stamp of identity and character. Band Aid is a song that from a distance seems like a classic from recent years; the mellow energy of it, the beat, the vocal flow, the auto-tune. However, to listen up close and personal is to witness those intricate details that make this a unique and easily recognisable release.
The musicality of the track has much more to it than the average hip-hop beat tends to offer. The opening few moments showcase a fresh use of synths and sounds that seem new yet that effectively still represent the same simplicity when it comes to the chords and notes chosen for the signature riff. What works in the genre has been considered and given a modern day tweak so as to keep things exciting – reaching out for those audiences who love the sound and realness of hip-hop, but presenting them then with something a little left of what’s expected.
The moment within the track when the rap vocal comes into play underlines that central character of the song. The melodic parts are important, the ambiance of these and indeed the fact that this is where the hook lies – the thing that connects and becomes memorable to listeners. However, once the rap begins, there’s a whole new scene to explore. The sound of the voice, the flow, it all adds to that original element of the unexpected. The music is smooth and everything works well to maintain this, but there’s also a certain truth to it all – the difficulties of relationships, the raw sound of the performances. There’s a confidence about it all that hip-hop fans will likely be drawn to.
Download the album The Sacrifice via iTunes or stream it on Spotify. Find & follow Icon MagikMane on Facebook & Twitter.
