Miller’s artistry bears distinct edges, distinguishing talents, and most importantly, a humble self-awareness toward his predecessors and his own career.
With only the first two tracks, he successfully separates himself from other young, often mediocre rappers who mindlessly brag about their fame. With unhurried drums, trumpets and saxophones, Miller proudly declares, “I’m underrated,” and “I did it all without a Jay feature.” Balancing silky jazz instruments with self-glorifying lyrics, he turns what might have been an imprudent boast into a modest celebration. Miller uses jazz instruments even more clearly and cleverly on this track.
The following track “Here We Go” celebrates his past achievements as a young artist, looking into his future with confidence and optimism. With unassertive rap and exquisite jazz production, Miller skillfully creates an indulging auditory experience that helps listeners descend into his private self. Smooth saxophone forms the backbone of the first track “Inside Outside.” He blurs the line between the “outside” lucid reality and his “inside” frantic mind. Veteran listeners of Miller’s music get to appreciate his effortless rap and skilled production once again, whereas new audiences have the opportunity to experience music made when he was growing exponentially as an ambitious, uncompromising young artist.Ĭlearly jazz-influenced, Faces shines with masterful production that transcends his young age. Although its 24 tracks span across more than an hour, none of them feels excessive. If the posthumously released album Circles is Mac Miller’s remarkable epilogue, the reissued mixtape Faces, originally released in 2014, relaunches him into the spotlight with its full-blown confidence and outstanding artistry of a 22-year-old rising rapper.
0 kommentar(er)
