Lately, the Foo has been listening to a bit more rap and hip-hop than usual. Which is a good thing cause Foo likes rap but, does not usually listen to to much of it - which in itself is kind of a paradox. Ah, Foo makes a good segway into Paradox - a classy rapper from Foo's home town of Raleighwood, NC. Although, Foo does not immediately hear anything paradoxical in this rapper. So a quick look at his resume will tell you that he's had it rough growing up but, somehow has managed to stay positive and focused. A message that is obviously conveyed in his music. His featured single song is called "Hold on" featuring a singer named Riley Jade, a beautiful singer with great delivery and some nice harmonies.
"Hold on" takes you through a neighborhood crumbling down around him, filled with "drugs to the gangs to the crimes". Paradox has got a great use of language and it's refreshing to hear every single word as clear as day. There is some powerful imagery in this song. "We gotta hold on, in a tug of war with death" is as strong a start to any song Foo has heard - thumbs up for that one. The second verse delivers a string a positive ideas to balance out the first verse, raising children to do the right thing, holding on throughout the hard times. Paradox even drastically changes his tone to match the song, a great technique that keeps the listener drawn into the story.
So, on point Foo covers the audio as well. This track (Hold on) sounded pretty good. Overall, the quality is very good - some nice studio gear was used to make this recording. The beat is simple and the bass drum has got some great tone. Foo thinks that since this song is a bit downbeat, it might sound really great with a live drummer and bass player. None, the less the beat doesn't take anything away from the mix the way it is - just something that Foo thinks would make the track sparkle. As far as the mix goes, no big gripes here, Foo likes big drums and care was taken not to get anything else lost in the mix. Even Jades singing tracks are mixed nicely with harmonies and well placed doubles, often tastefully switching for a just the right moment. A nice trick to balance out the different dynamic mic techniques that have to be used to pull that off.
Paradox has got some great writing skills and a long list of good titles he's working with for his first album due to drop before the end of 2009. Foo looks forward to some more Paradox tracks here on LiveAudioMag and hopes Paradox will slip us some mix tape tracks and maybe even something little from his upcoming project. Oh, the Foo also hopes Paradox will not forget us when he gets large and in charge - stay positive and thanks for the music!
FooStats(out of 10):
Audio Quality: 8
Originality: 5
Spicey factor: 7
Chops: 6
Total: 26
Paradox
