Chicago, Illinois-based rapper/songwriter Teddy Mac unveils his 14-track project Job Not Finished to close out 2024. The project explores a wide range of topics from social and political commentary, emotional struggles, and inundated sexism that engulfs the airwaves to identity and race politics and also touches on systemic racism and more. Teddy Mac espouses the belief of setting the standard and using his platform to spread knowledge for posterity’s sake.  As the title suggests, it is anchored on the notion that our life’s purpose is never done but it’s an ongoing activity that threads one generation to the other.

From the onset, Teddy Mac leads audiences deep into the action with his profound lyricism and knack for vivid storytelling. Weaving engaging stories and topics together, he gives compelling takes on societal structures that perpetuate the never-ending struggles of PoC, and mental health in “30 for 30/Graffiti- Acapella” . He also basks in his success and resilience as a young man who made it out of the mud on the anthemic “Did it Again.” The funk-soul vibes of “That’s What Made Me” reinforce the nostalgia of Teddy Mac’s childhood as he pays homage to many of his family members who raised him and the experiences that shaped his worldviews. “Statik Shock” explores delicate topics of being stereotyped as a black man. Teddy Mac reminds us that he has more to offer than street stories and proceeds to show his versatility as a songwriter with a profound knowledge of himself and what he stands for.  This is followed by the lyric-dense/rant-filled “Division” and hard-hitting “Pressure.” The former anchors on standing on business and Teddy Mac shows out with a plethora of rhyme schemes and vivid wordplay with ear-grabbing lines like  “Ignorant ass industry indicas full of bitter agendas/ intent to diminish the innocents/ Don’t approach me, I’m venomous.” “Pressure” lives up to expectations with a brooding soundscape and another round of thought-provoking bars filled with raw bravado. The first half of the project closes with “Interlude,” a showcase of lyricism with elements of introspection.

The second half of the project starts on a lighthearted note with the heartfelt “Keep it Coming” which infuses modern R&B with a bouncy hip-hop beat. Here, Teddy Mac talks about the dynamics of loving someone. “Rude Awakening II” is the quintessential posse cut and it features Kadeen_Rashad and  Kush who all display their lyrical prowess over a punchy, soulful backdrop. “With You” dives into his journey thus far and the many hurdles he overcame to reach this point. Other dope tracks include the insightful “Seclusion” where he presents us with how he navigates the craziness of the modern world filled with distractions. “Ever Know” featuring IV is another lyrical display that would have heads nodding in agreement. Next is the short skit “Teddy Mac and Big Mama in Concert” where we hear a little Teddy Mac singing his favourite song with Big Mama. The skit is wholesome and adds an extra layer to Teddy Mac’s story. The final track “Dreamin” features rapper Chad Lee who delivers an insightful performance ripe with self-assessment and introspection. Teddy Mac complements the verse with his perspective on self-doubt, depression and ultimately coming out of the doldrums with a renewed spirit.

Teddy Mac brings a lot to unpack over 14 solid tracks. He doesn’t let any stone go unturned and shares his perspectives on the topic. He shows his knack for acknowledging and tackling real-time issues with a distinct style of lyricism and can be vulnerable and emotional at the same time.

 Teddy adds  “The title comes from both a reference to a legendary Kobe Bryant interview, but also the fact that we have inherited a flawed world and it’s up to all of us to make it better. It’s our “job”.

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