Hold On, I Need To Crank
Hailing from our nation's capital is an artist that goes by the name Mak 11 AKA Makonnen Kush. This young dude has been into music since the young age of 5. His first concert, interestingly enough, was a Fugees show-featuring Busta Rhymes and the Wu-Tang Clan. Mak's musical inspirations can be attributed ti Kid Cudi, Kanye West, MF Doom, The Fugees, and Bob Marley.
Oh this kid is well-versed in some content-based music
Mak 11 is some unsigned-hype at the moment, however, is supported by his counterpart Fluiidity in their group FI. Even cooler is that FI is associated with a larger group: Portal Boys. If this dude didn't sound interesting enough, get this, he started off playing guitar and taking music theory. After acquiring some musicality and know-how he composed his own rock song at 10 years old!
Tico, when I was 10 I was still watching Blue's Clues yo...
Mak 11's OG project, #LOVE, debuted on Sept. 11th of this year. Word on the street is that we can expect more music from young Mak by the end of this month. Before you can anticipate #LOVE2- you have to properly peep #LOVE homies.
Content
Mak 11 is a young dude trying to make it. Not to take away from his personal journey but there is nothing intrinsically special about his story. His bars are filled with hometown adventure references and socially conscious jibs (for example, give PEEP a listen). This artist also struggles with anything of deep instrumental value being mentioned. While there doesn't have to be any socially-conscious verse added, it would help the complex of some songs. On a positive note- Mak's verses are authentic and not as misogynistic as most. Most young artist struggle with the big three topics of 'Making it', 'Drugs', and 'Sexual Endeavors'. Even on the song ON YAH, where it is clear Mak is speaking to or of a girl- he doesn't go extremely lewd or offensive. Kudos.
Production
On first play through, this music is confusing. If one is not familiar with the 'sadboi' aesthetic or the 'soft trap' sound then this project will come as a shocker, for sure. I can split my response between the two facets of production:
Beats
The beats on #LOVE, are wild. It is clear that Mak 11 has a grasp on several genres of music, as they sort of intermarry on his project. There is a texture on his beats that is unique to his music only. No beat ripping going on for this artist.
Overall Production Value
Not his best- can't be.
Whoa Tico, what's wrong?
It is in my opinion (and my opinion is worth like two Chuck E Cheese coins) that Mak 11's voice does not mesh properly with his tracks. He sounds extremely overshadowed and guttural on most tracks; halfway through the 38 minute mixtape, I began to believe this was on purpose. The problem is in the first half I just thought it was mixed poorly. I can appreciate the texture and sound of this project, however, its a safe bet to say that most will be confused as to why Mak's vocals are not the most prevalent audio sound on a track.
Flow
This one half of #FI has a dope flow for sure. He reminds me of a darker Denzel Curry mixed with a more intellectual Chief Keef. All his vocals sound effortless and lazy. Seldom do I praise lazy lyricism, however, I have also had the exclusive chance to listen to Mak 11 live. His flow is easy-listening for sure, you don't have to strain to understand his diction. You don't have to play back songs to catch what he said- none of that. Again, for being so young it would appear that Mak 11 has the edge on his peers in the flow department. As previously mentioned, his vocals could be better mixed with his beats but even that detriment doesn't take away from his drawl. On the track KRISHNA, you can't help but bop your head along.
Overall
All in all, I give the #LOVE tape one thumb up. The potential to expand is immense with this young artist. His work ethic is on par with industry greats, he loves music, and his collective appears to be beneficial to his sound. I personally liked the project, with my favorite track being KRISHNA. I feel as though the biggest detriment to this project is honestly how obscure it is. This isn't a universal or diverse project in the least bit. There isn't a song on here that doesn't belong and that is something that could be a marketing benefit or no-no. Depends on the audience.
P.S. Homies
Mak 11 is releasing #LOVE2 at the end of the month! I have graciously been given an early listen and I have to say I'm pretty amped for some new music. Still true to his sound and authentic to his city: he brings more enigmatic beats and honest verses. From what I've heard, in this short time span its clear to see that Mak as an artist is maturing. It is also clear to see that he is a risk-taker; his flow this time is almost condescending. Its cool though- it's like a confident condescending tone that doesn't leave a listener questioning how they should feel. You just know he's hot.
#LOVE2 Coming Soon
