Mack 10's 'Soft White' a lackluster effort
Jill Sweeney
Issue date: 10/13/09 Section: Arts & Society
The name may not be familiar, but Mack 10 is no newcomer to the hip-hop world. Mack 10 (real name: Dedrick Rolison) recently released his 9th album, titled Soft White, under his independent record label Hoo-Bangin' Records, on September 29. The album features collaborations with many other artists, including Lil' Wayne, Akon, Jazze Pha, Birdman, and Rick Ross.
The album also marks his return to the spotlight, after an absence of 4 years. It could be said that this absence has left a notable effect on his music. Although he still speaks on the typical rap issues of drugs, alcohol, and gangs, Mack 10 also offers advice to the younger generation as well as his friends behind bars in the songs "It's Your Life" and "Dedication (To The Pen)," respectively.
"It's Your Life" is dominated by a gangster beat with a hint of 1990s pop; however, in the background can be a heard a child's piano. This adds to the message of the piece, stated in lyrics such as "song is for the young boys and girls/if you believe you can conquer the world," that Mack is speaking to the younger generation and encouraging them to work hard in order to follow their dreams, because, as he says himself, "it's your life."
"Dedication (To The Pen)" is Mack's letter to all his friends behind bars. He uses a strong beat to symbolize his anger at how many of his friends sit in jail cells, some even "on death row." However, he is still encouraging, stating "do the right thing when you get out."
Although neither track is likely to become a huge hit, both are prominent on this album because of their lyrics, which mark a change of pace from the typical rap topics, and instead offer advice and a message for listeners.
Perhaps the most popular song on the track is the album's first single "So Sharp," on the album. The song features a catchy beat that reminds one of summer, and is heavy on vocals; there is rarely a moment in this track where solely the music is heard. Part of the magnetism of this song rests in this beat, which could make one feel like dancing. However, the other part of its popularity can be attributed to the fact that Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, and Jazze Pha contribute their vocal talents to the song.
The album also marks his return to the spotlight, after an absence of 4 years. It could be said that this absence has left a notable effect on his music. Although he still speaks on the typical rap issues of drugs, alcohol, and gangs, Mack 10 also offers advice to the younger generation as well as his friends behind bars in the songs "It's Your Life" and "Dedication (To The Pen)," respectively.
"It's Your Life" is dominated by a gangster beat with a hint of 1990s pop; however, in the background can be a heard a child's piano. This adds to the message of the piece, stated in lyrics such as "song is for the young boys and girls/if you believe you can conquer the world," that Mack is speaking to the younger generation and encouraging them to work hard in order to follow their dreams, because, as he says himself, "it's your life."
"Dedication (To The Pen)" is Mack's letter to all his friends behind bars. He uses a strong beat to symbolize his anger at how many of his friends sit in jail cells, some even "on death row." However, he is still encouraging, stating "do the right thing when you get out."
Although neither track is likely to become a huge hit, both are prominent on this album because of their lyrics, which mark a change of pace from the typical rap topics, and instead offer advice and a message for listeners.
Perhaps the most popular song on the track is the album's first single "So Sharp," on the album. The song features a catchy beat that reminds one of summer, and is heavy on vocals; there is rarely a moment in this track where solely the music is heard. Part of the magnetism of this song rests in this beat, which could make one feel like dancing. However, the other part of its popularity can be attributed to the fact that Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, and Jazze Pha contribute their vocal talents to the song.
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