Recent releases by TWS, RIIZE and IDID have me wondering if I’m starting to go full circle and enjoy weirdly atonal boy group hip-hop tracks again. It helps when the production is interesting and the subject matter isn’t simply “I’m so cool, look at me.” To be honest, much of my opinion about this style of song comes down to things like vocal tone and specific production choices (percussion, riffs, etc.). I can even forgive a lame spoken-word hook if the guys dial back on the shouting and perform it in a slightly different way.
For the first verse of NEXZ’s pre-release I’m Him, I thought the song might join my growing list of hip-hop bangers. But after a promising groove and satisfying verse, the song devolves into the kind of “spiraling melody followed by cut-and-paste boy group bluster” chorus that instantly makes my eyes glaze over. Things briefly right themselves during an exciting bridge, but the bulk of the song is driven by a few irritating refrains that are hard to ignore.
When it comes down to it, songs like this boil down to individual moments, and what grates one listeners’ ear might excite someone else. It’s a fine line between catchy and obnoxious and I’m often surprised where I fall on the spectrum when it comes to specific songs. Though there’s plenty to like about I’m Him, ultimately it tips over to the negative for me.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
