London,UK rapper/songwriter Marss breaks musical barriers with his nonconformist style. Influenced by a host of genres, he developed a style that embodies a handful ranging from rap, UK soul/R&B and Garage, to name a few. Another interesting element is his multinational background; his lineage traces to countries such as Nigeria, Barbados, Zambia, and, of course, the UK. Lastly, having spent many years in Spain, he also acquired the ability to speak Spanish, making him a sort of UN-type delegate.
All that being said, his debut release, Can You Relate?, is an eight-track project that culminates from his grind the year before, when he was performing on stages and recording tracks in different studios.
The first track, “Don’t Waste Your Time,” sets the tone and finds Marss giving audiences an update about his musical journey. From heartbreak to building something from hard work and sweat and seeing the gains, Marrs reminds potential lovers not to waste their time with the wrong guy. The track features guitarist Da Fabi, who is the only other musician joining him on the project. The next track, “Get to the Bag,” is an aspirational tune that finds Marrs reflecting on the never-ending grind with lines like
“My words got action behind them, it’s all timing, if you put the time in/From when I open my eyelids till the sun stop shining I gotta get mine in/You need your ego stroke like the strings on the violin, they want the shoes that I am in“
The track has a solemn vibe and features smooth piano riffs underpinned by a mid-tempo drum groove that complements Marrs’ commanding flow. The project continues with detailed storytelling and themes that explore the life of a young artist, pushing through closed doors and chasing dreams in an unforgiving world. The guitar-driven “Easy Mode” has a summer breezy feel that captures Marss thoughts on his struggles, while “On To The Next” highlights his player demeanour. Over a bouncy synth-driven backdrop, he delivers melody-driven verses with confidence and style as he skates through the city, leaving behind a trail.
“Interested” is a heartfelt rap ballad that explores what true love is, and here, we get to truly see his vulnerable side. Over a retro R&B-infused backdrop with drill drums, Marss asks the right questions as he finds himself falling for a potential lover. Instead of going in blindly, he cuts to the chase to ensure she is fully invested in this thing of theirs. Next is “Intervention,” another smooth R&B-infused record that once again highlights Marss melodic style and dynamic vocal range. His laidback draw and somewhat hushed runs are prominent here, and the heartfelt songwriting continues the emotional theme set by the previous track.
The last two tracks, “Partner in Crime” and “Stay In My Lane,” help bring the project to a close. The former is about a ride-or-die girl who is always there for him. The latter is a great way to end things, and we see Marrs in his element rapping over a soulful soundscape with passion and unfiltered demeanour. He seems to have found a lane, and he stays the course without worrying about anyone else. I must add that the production across the entire project is consistent and draws on a handful of styles that highlight how versatile Marss is. He is not afraid to show emotion when the need arises, and his rapping abilities are on par with peers like Strandz and RenzNiro, as well as luminaries like Central Cee and Loyle Carner.
Overall Can You Relate?, is a cohesive body of work that captures the life of a young black man who is making a way for himself in a world where nothing is promised. From the failings and setbacks to the wins and successes, Marrs embodies it all.
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