There is perhaps nothing more important in a hip-hop single than the definition created by the vocal and the beat; but, even with this being the conventional standard, it’s not quite the case in Rico Twang’s stimulating new single “Back Ends.” “Back Ends” is a song built around the relationship between a rapper and the rhythm he manipulates, and whether we’re looking at the track for its poetic value or melodic appeal, it’s hard not to acknowledge the impact of its two biggest elements (and the way they interact with one another). Rico Twang might be an unknown today, but with chops like these, it’s hard to imagine him remaining in the shadows for very long.
I absolutely love the way my man sets up this string play at the onset of “Back Ends,” and not exclusively because of the surreal 90’s throwback vibe it undisputedly creates. There’s an implied postmodernity to its style, but what makes it significant to the lyricism is the softness with which it’s presented in the master mix. It tells us that Rico Twang is going to be coming in smooth and putting it all on the line for us, as opposed to setting up a scenario to charm and disarm the audience for more devious purposes.
The intro produces a tone in this song I wouldn’t change for anything, but more precisely, it proves that Rico Twang is a player who knows both how to utilize structure without being formulaic and why doing as much is important at this point in his career. Some would foolishly make the argument that he doesn’t need to be demonstrating such lofty creative ambitions fresh out of the gate, but from my perspective nothing could be further from the truth. Hip-hop is the most competitive game on earth right now, and it takes a lot more than studio stunt work to make a big impression on listeners in 2021.
Rico Twang’s lyrical presence isn’t the only source of evocative imagery in “Back Ends;” frankly, I think the bassline is just one of several components of the groove to illustrate a real aesthetical contrast and mood in this track. There’s something just so intoxicating about the way it frames the verses, particularly when things are heating up around the chorus, and I don’t think this would be the same song without its contribution to the big picture.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Back-Ends-Explicit-Rico-Twang/dp/B08TQKSSQC
I’m really looking forward to seeing where Rico Twang goes from here, and although his rivals are chomping at the bit just as hard as he is in “Back Ends,” my gut tells me we’re only getting a small virgin sampling of what this boss can cut when he’s got nothing to come between his narrative and the audience he’s presenting it to. His is a progressive style of hip-hop I can appreciate well beyond its melodic properties and what they can potentially be shaped into in the future; this is an original sound, and it’s one of the smoother listens I’ve had the pleasure of checking out lately.
Troy Johnstone