I’ll Bell You Tomorrow opens up with “Alien Faces”, an introductory track made up of dark and moody textures, sublime vocal hums and a rich guitar lick that perfectly sets the somewhat celebratory mood. Mac ushers listeners into his world with a vivid verse ripe with bravado and a little insight into his mental state. “Retail Therapy” continues in a similar vein with its dynamic and dark soundscape that gives off a resounding urgent vibe. Here, Mac separates the wheat from the chaff and sends a not-so-subtle jab toward materialism and superficial confidence as seen in today’s society. “Vices” starts with a caveat reminding us that the story is all fiction. Backed by a cinematic orchestral-infused backdrop, Mac takes listeners down into the underbelly of the streets where all manners of vices are fuelled. He and the other rappers give a different perspective of the dark side of the trade and the use of verbal allegory really makes the tale more engaging lines like “Packed so loud, it’s distorting/if you want the smoke then approach him with caution/Flying with the gods but no blessed by the buds, said yes to the drugs and no to the warnings”
“Air Max” is a Jazz-infused track that gives a feel-good and sublime vibe that works perfectly with Max’s laidback expressive flow and graphic lyrics that dwell on the bright side of life. It has a more relaxed and easygoing vibe that breaks the gloomy feel of the previous tracks. This is followed by “Bluntly”, a dreamy and solemn record made up of ethereal textures and crunchy drums. The title is a play on being candid and the aftermath of the hit from a potent blunt. Mac takes us on a ride to the apex on this one and details the highs and lows that come with getting high.
“Editor, Director” raises the energy levels with the thick 808-driven drill-trap-infused backdrop and Mac’s fiery machine gun flow. The upbeat energy serves as the crescendo of Mac’s drug trip as we see him in high spirits from start to finish. “’13-’17” and “Embers” are two reflective tracks that take listeners into Mac’s introspective mind and showcase the rapper in a clearer mental state than before. The former focuses on Mac’s past and the many characters and events that float in and out of his mind while the latter details an interesting encounter with an unknown individual who left a long-lasting impression on him and the ensuing blossoming love that follows. The record is bolstered by a soul-gripping chorus and sublime melodic runs by a singer. The project closes out with the jazz/R&B-infused “Hate U Love U” and the dark “New Neighbours”. “Hate U Love U” starts off with rich textures made up of organs, guitar riffs and sublime textures that form the perfect canvas for Mac’s heartwrenching story of betrayal, love and the unpredictable dynamics between two lovers. “New Neighbours” sees Mac pouring adulations on his family, friends and acquaintances who influenced him in one way or the other.
At just 45 minutes running time, I’ll Bell You Tomorrow sure packs a lot of emotional themes that listeners can relate to but the high concept approach is what even ramps it up for us. Each song plays a substantial role in bringing us closer to who Mac is and what makes him tick.
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