A man who doesn’t go around strutting and cawing like a rooster is a man who knows who he is. He doesn’t have to tell anyone. They see it, they hear it. Sidney Breedlove’s new single “Take It Low” gives off those sorts of vibes without ever recalling another hip-hop performer, contemporary or otherwise. Breedlove’s music, obviously, recalls many other examples of rap and hip hop, history is inescapable, but he’s somehow transmuted the same thing his peers have heard through his own consciousness, creativity, and experiences. He’s arrived at his own style and, early on, it seems and sounds fully formed.
Other performers can take decades to arrive at the same place. Breedlove can already bring fans of the genre a song with an enormous physical appeal that also engages listener’s sense of aesthetic musical value. You don’t feel like you are hearing a throwaway number when hearing this song. More matters than just the beat and the vocal. Of course, listeners are free to take away whatever they like listening to whatever they like, but devoted and casual music fans alike are virtual locks to agree on the song’s musical merits.
Breedlove has wisely refrained from overloading the song. The genre’s music and songwriting can’t connect with its audience leaning on any sort of pretension and Breedlove understand that well. “Take It Low” has a down to earth message that’s performed in an equally down to earth manner. This doesn’t mean that it’s distasteful in any kind of way, far from it. Anyone giving the song a close listen will come away certain if nothing else, that Breedlove has excellent control over his material.
He’s certainly writing and performing for himself – first and foremost. Don’t be mistaken, however. He’s operating from the premise that if he can meet his own standards, he will meet the listener’s standard as well and bring us along with him on the ride. What a ride it is, as well. We feel like we’re gliding early in this song and that sensation doesn’t disappear. It’s never out of control and the feeling that Breedlove has a tight grip on the cut’s controls makes it an all the more impressive single.
Talents developing at an exponential rate like this bear constant watch. His growth won’t soon flag either and, until it does, fans of the style are likely to hear one gem after another as he continues to find his artistic footing. “Take It Off” is a lot of things, slightly naughty, fun, harmless, crackling with swagger, and backing it every note and beat of the way. It makes you want to move, yes, but it makes you want to listen as well, as there is a lot to get into here.
Let us hope we get more of Breedlove’s musical goodness before the year ends. It may be your first encounter with this terrific performer and, if it is, it will not be your last. This has staying power written all over every minute.
Trace Whittaker
