When some artists release new music, fans question what they’ll get — some artists deliver more of the same, however.
Connecticut rapper Witt Lowry released the single “The Rise” Jan. 28.
The track is Lowry’s first published work since his 2019 album “Nevers Road.”
Clocking at a little under four minutes, “The Rise” is a short track that features Lowry rapping about his ascension while taking shots at other unnamed artists and label companies.
While the song is smooth with quick flows, a decent chorus and a trap beat element, the song comes off as a weak addition to Lowry’s discography.
Trap music is in, but that doesn’t mean every rapper needs to do it.
Lowry is a great example.
The lyrics are mediocre at best.
“It’s a goddamn shame. You been lookin’ for change, but you never wanna goddamn change,” is how the track starts.
Knowing he’s attempting a new genre of music, it is acceptable to have a weak lines.
Yet, starting a song like this is an immediate turn off.
It leaves a sour taste in my mouth — one that just doesn’t go away.
Lines like “three rappers in your top three” and trying to rhyme “one” with “Napoleon” is just cringe worthy.
These repetitive lines are a poor use of his talent. Lowry has the impressive skill to produce fast lyrical quips.
When digging into a section of the track, Lowry does have a good base concept.
Talking about staying an independent artist to have control over his music and profits is a strong topic that many artists have discussed.
“They don’t profit off all those streams. ‘Cause some old guy up in an office owns the MP3.”
It is a breath of fresh air — but it is only a breath.
Lowry rapping about being doubted by others or ex-girlfriends is something he does in a lot of his songs.
It is almost as common as the rapper Logic reminding everyone he is bi-racial in so many of his tracks or features.
And just like Logic, Lowry has addressed the criticism in songs, however, him responding is now a common occurrence.
Aside from the repetitive topic and weak lines is the chorus.
Despite being catchy, the first few lines in it follow what I described above.
“You don’t think about the boy, then why you hittin’ my line? Stick around long enough and watch the lames switch sides.”
Just because you can rhyme words doesn’t mean you should.
The rest of the chorus is good though, featuring lines like, “Just hit my stride, yeah, I’m on my rise. I tried to please them all, instead I lost my mind.”
This track displays only select artists such as Future or Migos can create a good trap song.
Trap is about low energy vibes, booming bass and gritty lyrical content. Slow vocals fit this style best.
Including elements of trap is fine, but you can’t make a trap styled beat without having trap styled lyrics.
Doing one without the other creates lukewarm tracks like this one.
What we saw heavily on “Nevers Road” and on tracks sparkled in his two previous albums is Lowry is at his best when telling a story.
When he makes a song that has a featured artist — especially a soothing female vocal like Ava Max or Dia Frampton — his vocals are complimented greatly.
“The Rise” unfortunately is a step backwards compared to previous works by Lowry.
