Mass The Difference: EP review - pushing South African hip hop boundaries
This is the cover art for "Night Before" by the super talented South African artist Mass The Difference.
South African lyrical Picasso Lenny Masedi Sadiki (with stage name Mass the Difference) known for his profound lyricism and emotive rap style, delivers another captivating project with his latest EP, Night Before. This seven-track EP was released February 9, 2024 following the success of his 17-track album, Quiet Noise.
This seven-track EP showcases Mass The Difference's ability to craft expressive rap lines that resonate deeper with listeners.
Night Before opens with the mesmerizing Wedwa which sets the tone with its beautiful guitar bounce and soulful melodies. Mass The Difference effortlessly weaves through the track with his lyrical flows, while the soft drums provide a steady rhythm that keeps the beat flowing. It's a compelling introduction to the EP, showcasing Mass The Difference's ability to blend intricate production with poignant storytelling.
The EP continues to impress with the second track, Get Away, which begins with sophisticated chord progressions that immediately capture the listener's attention. Here, Mass The Difference invites the audience into a world of mesmerizing melodies and heartfelt lyrics, where he explores themes of love and longing. His words paint a vivid picture as he asks his love to come with him to a place where they can be alone together.
Care for Me which takes the third spot delves into the complexities of honesty within relationships. This standout piece showcases not only Mass The Difference's lyrical prowess but also introduces a unique blend of languages and voices, adding depth and texture to the narrative. The inclusion of a female voice in the interlude and chorus adds a captivating layer to the track. The interplay between their voices creates a dynamic dialogue, enriching the storytelling and adding depth to the emotional landscape of the song.
Track four, Some Nights, is a sonic love letter that talks about the complexities of relationships. The song opens with an emotive chorus from Mass The Difference, setting the tone for an introspective exploration of love, regret, and frustration. H' & Them joins Mass The Difference, adding their own perspectives to the narrative. They carefully discuss the regrets that come with involving friends in their conflicts, highlighting the toll it took on their relationship.
On the fifth track, Leave, he introduces listeners to a serene soundscape with its calm piano plucks and violin drags. As the music envelops the listener, the narrative about his partner ever thinking there are no possibilities of him leaving the relationship and moving on unfolds. Both H' & Them and Jazz the Man join Mass The Difference to offer their own perspective on the said theme.
Track six of the EP, envelops listeners into the pain of losing a relationship. It begins with a poignant intro interlude that sets the thematic tone for the song, offering context and drawing the audience deeper into the emotional landscape of Lerato's heart.
The final track of the EP, Night Before, serves as a fitting conclusion to the journey embarked upon throughout the album. Opening with a beautiful chord progression that has been consistent and recurring throughout the album, it creates a sense of familiarity and continuity, putting together the various themes explored in previous tracks.
Lastly, Mass The Difference stands out due to his storytelling ability throughout the EP. Featuring only two artists on this project has allowed listeners to witness Mass The Difference's extraordinary musical abilities.
The delivery on Night Before shows maturity, honesty and authenticity. Mass The Difference skillfully navigates themes of love, loss and regret creating a relatable dialogue with fans and lovers of his music as he continues to push the boundaries of South African hip-hop and carve out his place on the global stage.
Production Credits
Performers: Mass The Difference, H’ & Them, Jazz The Man.
Songwriters: Lenny Masedi Sadiki, Martin Macharia Murage, Aluwani Silus Thovakale, Montle Asnath Mahlangu, Phathutshedzo Nephawe
Producers:
Source: Eight Zero Records
