North Bay Area -based Compton, CA-born artist LaiddBackZach ’s latest project The Features is a 7 track body of work that blends engaging storytelling, dope beats and the art of featuring the right artist to work with. The Features as a project are as conceptual as they come and bring together a host of musicians with similar vibes but different styles.
The first track, “Been On Go” features rapper Erica Ambrin and is the quintessential celebratory and reflective tune. It sets off the project on a solid note and introduces listeners to the man known as LaiddBackZach. Over the warm and soulful soundscape, he gives us an insight into his journey as a young man and artist as he balances the pros and cons along the way. Lines like “They say the way to hide some info from us, put it in books/That is why they keep stealing the culture/we surprised that we got took/On every verse that’s why I always tell ‘em LBZ look/‘Cause you might miss the whole thing cause you just vibe with this hook” also help underscore his mission. Along for the ride is Erica Ambrin,who shares her own story with vivid detail as she reminds us of her personal growth with lines like “You’re not your past and I am living proof/I love riding solo and finding them roots/I watered my gardens she came bearing fruits.” The next track “U Was My Fav” has a smooth R&B/trap vibe and features Nemz. The track explores heartbreak and the aftermath of a relationship gone sour. LaidbackZach employs a smooth flow and vivid lyricism with a melodic touch while singer Nemz’s melodic runs take precedence.
“So Simple” is a nostalgia-inducing track comprising sublime and ethereal soundscape and heartfelt lyrics. Fellow rapper Above Average joins LaiddBackZach on the track and together they share their respective stories on a what if situation. “RollerCoaster” is a collaboration with fellow rapper J.Lately and together they reflect on the ups and downs of life and the lessons they learned along the way. LaiddBackZach looks deep within as he delivers relatable bars like
“You need the good with the bad ‘cause the balance that I had made me understand life with being human was like/Wasn’t till I found myself and I had to grow up/Hit my low, some people they said so what/Not those exact words, I know you know what/I mean, people be mean, I said so what.” On the other hand, J.Lately adds his cents to the track with lines like “I don’t run from my fears, I rather record them/I practice like I got cut from the team, I’m in love with the work not just in love with the dreams” showing two different sides of their lives. “One Day at a Time” is a collaboration with Obvi and is an aspirational tune that reminds us to never give up and take baby steps instead of overthinking things. This is followed by “See it Through”, a modern soul-pop-infused track featuring Emoney. The track dives into self-reliance, growth and faith through the hard times. The final track “West Side” helps bring the project to a close with its solemn vibe. The production is rich and comprises slick guitar licks, warm keys and sparse and bouncy drums. Here, LaiddBackZach delivers in his distinct laidback flow and we get to see him bask in his success as he enjoys the fruits of his labour. He is joined by vocalist Rodeci who adds his expressive and agile vocal runs.
Overall The Features, is cohesive, and engaging and benefit from an easy-flowing structure. The beats are varied, soulful and the overarching premise highly relatable.
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