It’s a rare and really cool thing when a music journalist becomes a fan. After all, we’re inundated with a constant stream of sounds, beats, styles, and trends. But every so often, something cuts through the auditory sensory overload that we just get bombarded with time, and grabs hold of you. It’s a feeling of genuine excitement and discovery. Which I guess is one of the perks of this job. That’s exactly what happened when encountered the work of Mc Ortho in todays spotlight.
For the past few months, I’ve been on a journey as many of you know who have been reading my work since February, exploring the roots of various hip hop styles and searching for new artists who embody that classic sound. I’ve sifted through countless tracks, searching for something that truly sparks my passion. With Mc Ortho, that spark has ignited into a full-blown fire.
Now for me, this is a chance to share my enthusiasm for an artist who has genuinely hooked me. Mc Ortho’s music is a fresh blend of styles, drawing inspiration from R&B, rap, soul, and more. It’s a demonstration of his artistry that he seamlessly fuses these influences into a sound that is uniquely his own. After stumbling upon the track “I Want Your Love,” I couldn’t resist diving into his back catalog, and I was not disappointed.
One of the things that truly sets Mc Ortho apart is his ability to channel a wide range of genres while maintaining a distinct identity. He doesn’t imitate, to me it seems like he pays homage to the greats while infusing his music with a fresh perspective. It’s a skill that’s not easy to master, but Mc Ortho has nailed it.
As a longtime fan of early 90s hip hop, particularly groups like Naughty By Nature, I was drawn to Mc Ortho’s ability to evoke that same old-school energy. His music transports you back to a time when boomboxes blared on street corners and rhyme schemes reigned supreme. Yet, he manages to make it feel current, relevant, and undeniably catchy. It’s a delicate balance that many artists attempt but few achieve with the same level of success. I mean seriously, I listen to a ton of music, and it’s a rare find to find someone that can do this so incredibly well.
“I Want Your Love,” the track that initially caught my attention, is a prime example of this. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, yet it feels like something coming out of the modern charts. It’s really cool to see someone that can effortlessly bridge the gap between eras in their music.
Now this is a song that is a collaboration with the talented Thir13een. The track kicks off with a series of brief guitar riffs, their deep, distorted tones creating a nice richness. It’s kinda like an illusion that tricks the ear into hearing the resonance of a cello rather than a guitar, which really made me interested from the very first notes.
But it’s the subtle details that truly transport you back in time. A faint, static-like effect lingers in the background, evoking the familiar warmth of vinyl records on a turntable. It’s a cool touch that seems to pop in on the rest of the track. And I mean, that alone was enough to immerse me in the ambiance of a bygone era.
As the instrumental intro unfolds, smooth vocal riffs begin to weave their way into the mix, adding a touch of soulfulness to the track. It’s a gentle lead-in that makes way for the beat to drop. When it does, it’s an instant groove, a laid-back rhythm driven by mellow percussion that gets your head nodding.
As the song progresses, and the second part of the hook kicks in, there’s a subtle shift in the ton. And I do mean, it’s small. An otherworldly effect hits (done by a synth), gently nudging the track into a slightly higher register. While it’s a subtle change, it’s incredibly effective, injecting the song with a renewed energy that contrasts beautifully with the mellow opening. It’s as if the record player static I was talking about, after a brief warm-up, has finally hit its stride, delivering a richer, fuller sound.
Now this song is a lyrical masterpiece as well, no doubt about it. The way he crafts his rhymes and words together is seriously impressive. It’s clear that every line is carefully thought out, and the result is a song that’s both catchy and meaningful.
The song’s a love story at heart, and Ortho’s lyrics talk of his feelings, and really the reality of the situation that he’s in for this significant other. He’s not afraid to get creative with his words, using metaphors and unexpected phrases like “being the egg yolk, she’s the egg white” to express his love for her.
It’s this cleverness and attention to detail that I really enjoyed. And again that’s something that I truly love when an artist can take unique phrases and situations, and make them meaningful. I mean, he’s using an analogy about eggs, and he’s making it sound sincere. Brilliant.
Mc Ortho also takes on subjects in the track about “Don’t listen to the hypocrites,” maybe trying to convince her, or maybe even perhaps her friends are against the relationship, when they themselves aren’t exactly the best role models. And see that’s another great thing about this track, it has a well-defined meeting, but it can be open to interpretation. And again he does this while mixing in clever analogies. And while the lyrics are great, the music itself is evolving too. A groovy synth line emerges, adding a layer of funk that wasn’t present in the opening bars.
It’s cool to witness how the song transforms as it unfolds. It starts with a nostalgic, old-school vibe, but gradually incorporates new elements. By the time we reach the heart of the second verse, it’s a full-blown funk fest.
For me, Ortho’s music is a reminder of the sounds that shaped my musical upbringing, but with a fresh twist that makes it feel current and exciting. Also I have to say the vocal harmonies on the hook are simply outstanding. And his own delivery is smooth and confident, his flow effortlessly riding the beat. Speaking of the beat, it’s an absolute banger.
I have to say, “I Want Your Love” is just plain fun to listen to. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to crank up the volume and get lost in the sound. And that’s exactly what I want to see more of in the scene – artists who aren’t afraid to take risks, blend genres, and create music that’s both meaningful and enjoyable.
If you’re looking for something new to add to your playlist, I highly recommend checking out Mc Ortho. I personally can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.