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Yesterday, readers were treated to part one of a review for a mixtape entitled My Level Is Next. The project comes from the artists of Level Next Music. Level Next Music includes the likes of Taylor Mallory, an R&B singer who was previously featured on the site. Since it was requested that the mixtape be broken down track by track, decided to do it in two parts. Part two of the review which covers the second half of My Level Is Next, can be found after the jump.
“Tell Me” – Willow Wells F/ Taylor Mallory & Paris
The production here is solid. It contains light instrumentation, a low tone, and a relaxed vibe. The hook is fair, the lyrics are more or less just repetition. However, Willow and Taylor have great vocal work going on and a strong harmony. It’s very nice on the ears. The verses are quality. Willow takes the first and third verses, Taylor comes in on the second, and Paris blesses the track with a few bars for the final verse at the end. All three artists put forth a great effort and blended well with the production. Overall, this track is on point. It has a nice groove to it and would be ideal for just sitting back and mellowing out.
“All Over The World” – Taylor Mallory
Mallory switches things up a bit with this track via the production. Instead of the usual smooth traditional R&B sound that normally accompanies a Taylor Mallory track, there is more of a Techno R&B style at work. The various sound effects combined with the intense vibe of the track go well together though. So the change is actually a good thing. The hook is alright. Mallory’s delivery and vocals are fine. The lyrics on the other hand could use some tweaking. The word play was a little too average. Mallory is capable of creating a more unique hook/chorus than what is done here. The verses are good, Taylor’s delivery and cadence are in perfect sync with the beat. Also, his vocals are lovely and his lyrics up to par. He does quite the job of sharing details about his new found club beauty. In the end, this track is decent. Not Mallory’s best work but not horrible either. Gotta respect the fact that he tried something different. Most artists today are too scared to try new things.
“Rolling In The Deep” – Endiskize
This is a Hip-Hop remix of the beloved track by R&B Soul singer Adele. So the production is the same as the original. However, the hook is comprised of the Adele sample with vocals from the members of Endiskize mixed in. The mixed vocals sound great together and make for a winning hook. The verses are hot. All three members exhibited quality flows and rhymes as always. But femcee of the group Ms. China, killed on this track. She came out the gate going in. “And if you come back and ya still didn’t grow, that’s when I pack ya s–t and I lead ya to the door. Then I put on my wings and I go take flight. Hit my girls up, tell ’em we gone party all night. Raise my glass if I want, ’til I’m feeling alright. Yea you rolling in the deep, but ain’t rolling in me tonight;” thats some sick spitting right there. In the end, this song is a hit for sure and a favorite of the remixes as well.
“Rock N 2 This” – Taylor Mallory
The production here is ill. It contains a low hard hitting bass, an up-tempo pace, and a club/dance type of vibe. The hook is dope too. Mallory has a smooth delivery with a hint of swag to his tone. Also, the lyrics are fun and catchy. This is what Mallory was missing in the previous song. The verses are strong as well. Mallory continues his swagger laced delivery with finely tuned vocals. Plus, the lyrics add to the feel good element of the song and are well put together. Overall, this track is a banger and it brings back the hit making Mallory that fans know and love. Can’t go wrong with this one.
“No Other Woman” – Willow Wells
This track has a very different feel than the previous one. The production features a slow tempo, some light instruments, and gives off a very mellow vibe. It has an old school R&B type of feel. The hook is okay. Willow’s signature vocals were clean and pleasant. And the lyrics were alright. However, they were missing that extra something to make them pop or memorable. The verses are solid. Willow’s delivery and vocals are flawless. The lyrics are a step up from the hook, but it still seems like Willow is holding back. She is such a talented singer, it would be awesome to see her let loose on all aspects of a record. As a whole, this track is worth a few spins. Not as good as Willow’s previous track but it’s a commendable effort.
“Show Goes On” – Taylor Mallory
The mixtape ends as it started, with a remix. This one is a remix of a Lupe Fiasco single with the same title. The production is also the same. The new addition comes in when Mallory lends his amazing vocals to the hook. Also, he puts his own personal spin on the lyrics as well. And while the original vocalist did his thing, Mallory’s new hook is extra fly. It fits the melody of the production perfectly and is skillfully worded:“Alright, already, the show goes on. Alright, no more talking. Now I see a brand new light. Got nothing but love. I wish the best for ya. I’m waving two fingers. My level’s next, alright.” Gotta love it. The verses are great as well. Mallory’s vocals are crisp and refreshing. And just like in the hook, the lyrics are well crafted. Mallory does a good job of telling a story about a broken relationship and moving on. As a whole, this track is a smash and the best remix/song on the entire mixtape. Mallory truly gave his all on this one.
And that is the second portion of the mixtape in a nutshell. All in all, the second half of the mixtape is dope. The artists contributed some solid content and the presentation of said content was respectable. But, the first half of the project is stronger. The artists just seemed to be a lot more creative and invested in the previous half. However, the entire mixtape is still certainly worth checking out. There is a little something for music lovers of all genres and for the most part the artists all handled their business. Besides reviews are just one take on a project, readers are always highly encouraged to listen to music for themselves. So open your ears and click the above provided link. And again, feel free to share your thoughts on My Level Is Next, in the comments section below.
