Artist Spotlight | Dax

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT | Dax | “Man I Used To Be”

I love it when an artist is bold enough to try and breathe some new life into an established and stagnant genre and turn its pre-conceived notions on its head. With so many copycat unoriginal artists out there these days, it takes more courage than ever to try to stand out from the crowd with your own voice, and this should always be applauded and artistically appreciated.

Dax is certainly one of these original artists, and “Man I Used To Be” is immediately unique and distinct compared to its contemporaries. I mean, how many Hip-Hop songs can you think of off the top of your head that feature an acoustic guitar as its opening hook?

One thing I especially liked about “Man I Used To Be” – and I also found this in Dax’s other songs too – is his attempt to connect with listeners. Instead of just rapping about overindulgent and over materialistic things, Dax chooses to talk about real topics, many of which most of us would be fairly uncomfortable admitting.

For years, Hip-Hop music and even movies, to a certain degree, has promoted the image that you have to be tough and cool at all times, but I think what people really want is, well, is the truth! Everyone hurts and everyone struggles, no matter how cool or tough you are, and I think this is what really makes “Man I Used To Be” an appealing and useful song for pretty much anyone.

The lyrics (and the video too) do a fantastic job of conveying the loneliness and self-loathing everyone has faced at one time or another. More than just this though, “Man I Used To Be” also provides a message of hope and a backbone of support in its vibe.

Both musically and artistically, it also works dualistically well in that it could be listened to and perceived as either uplifting or downtrodden. Just like with any great art, your own mood plays a role in the overall outcome, and I like that. Dax has already cemented himself as one of the foremost faces of Hip-Hop in recent years, and “Man I Used To Be” is another excellent addition to an already admirable collection of work. But don’t just take my word for it, go and check it out for yourself!