Feez Da Popstar’s new single “MTF (More Than Friends)” has the chance to catapult the New York City performer from promising to prospering in one fell swoop. Feez, otherwise known as DJ Jay Faire, built his reputation in the Big Apple’s club scene on the backs of his potent mixes before embarking on a performing career centered on his original music. He’s already experienced fulsome success, but “MTF (More Than Friends)” is a bold leap forward into the future. It remains faithful to the foundation he’s established with his prior work while revealing a new facet of his ever-deepening talents.
He confidently melds two distinct styles. There are echoes of soul and R&B during the verses that blend with Feez’s rap style without a hiccup. There’s no mistaking that Feez launched into the recording process for this tune with a clear conception of what he wanted to accomplish. There’s no hesitation. The design of the song provides ample evidence of his certainty. It has a logical progression and a clear structure that pulls listeners along from the first note to the last. It isn’t an especially long performance barely breaking the two-minute barrier, but Feez’s talent for concision plays in his favor. It makes “MTF (More Than Friends)” an even more enjoyable listening experience.
The percussion is an unique component of the song. Feez doesn’t pursue straightforward drumming for the performance and defies the listener’s expectations of a customary rhythm track for the cut. Some listeners will prefer much more traditional percussion and, without question, the song’s character would be very different with a more assertive percussive presence. Feez’s decision gives the single a much different flavor than what listeners may be ordinarily accustomed to and, thus, helps separate the song from a pack of similar fare.
His vocal delivery is cocksure without ever sounding too overwrought. Feez tailors his vocals to dovetail with the rhythm track, and the intensely percussive nature of his phrasing is an added bonus. The lyrical content is direct, contemporary, and conversational. It is obvious when hearing this number in its totality that Feez has long since mastered the demands of a modern rap song, and each new single represents a further refinement of his efforts.
The production is spot-on. Feez’s presentation of “MTF (More Than Friends)” will undoubtedly resonate with casual and devoted rap fans alike. He’s built this track for mass appeal without compromising his artistic sensibilities. It doesn’t pander for the listener’s attention. We are unquestionably being treated to Feez’s vision of what constitutes a first-class rap song rather than enduring a paint-by-numbers performance that looks to check off a few predictable boxes and nothing more.
It’s a stirring example of what five-star rap music in 2024 can achieve. Listeners familiar with Feez’s past work will notice the growing assurance in every area of “MTF (More Than Friends)”, and will likely salivate over the possibility of where the New York City-based rapper can do next. This single makes it clear that he’s capable of anything.
Cleopatra Patel