21-year-old rapper and New Orleans-native James Seville, is an artist on a mission. A few weeks ago we reviewed his stunning debut EP “Beta”, while he is working his way to the release of his full-length album. Now Seville is back with a new single from the EP – “Surreal” (ft. Rockie Fresh & Aurelien Barnes) [Remix by Blake Edward Jr.].
So why would James Seville have his foot on the pedal? Simple. I worked it out from a phrase Seville quoted – “If [being the best isn’t] the goal, you might be in the wrong career.” And being the best means working your butt off, there is no replacement for this formula no matter how talented you are. Seville obviously knows this and never stands still. He is moving his career forward, step by step, release by release.
James Seville’s first – and most powerful – influence was his father, a talented guitar player who wrote hundreds of songs. After his dad’s passing in the summer of 2015, James obtained and listened to all of his dad’s songs and – as he’s noted – they’ve taught him a great deal. Other influences are taken from 90s East Coast hip-hop to EDM and Folk music.
Of his music James says: “I like to write in a fashion where after the song ends people will learn something about me, something about themselves, and can walk away giving off good vibes into this ever so hateful atmosphere,”
James Seville definitely has the skills to hang with some of the best rappers of today. Being somewhat of a creative spirit and somewhat unorthodox in his approach, Seville definitely never disappoints. The track keeps a consistent groove, tone and attitude throughout as we are exposed to his “Surreal” reality.
The upbeat remix perfectly fits Seville’s style and is eyebrow amazing, hypnotic and addictive, even seamlessly changing tempo in mid-song. The guests are along for the ride and keep the track flying high, in a totally feel-good atmosphere with horns and all pumping in the background.
This is the type of track that you’ll give one listen to, then you’ll find yourself giving it another spin, then another spin, and yet another. “Surreal” (ft. Rockie Fresh & Aurelien Barnes) [Remix by Blake Edward Jr.], has all the polish that is often missing from many underground offerings. T
he remix is superior production-wise, while James Seville is on top of his rapping game as always. Lyrically this is a buoyant and frolicsome track, where the rhymes pop and crackle with freshness over the funky beat. This is just another surefooted step forward for James Seville and the entire crew on this project!
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