THE MAN [REVIEW]

Era-blending artist JMAP (@jmapofficial) is back on the scene with his latest offering, The Man. The track is a nostalgic cut, brimming with old-school brilliance and influences from far and wide. Despite a sub-four-minute runtime, The Man features a host of unique instrumental choices that distinguish the track from the straightforwardness of modern hip-hop and pop production.

‘The Man’ Cover Art

(Image credit: Provided by Artist)

Essentially, The Man is about the memories of a former flame. JMAP is able to twist the age-old love song into something new, modernising a classic lyrical narrative with his signature retro-future approach. JMAP’s level of appreciation for the past is most evident in the instrumental itself. With surf-rock-esque guitars and a neat trap drum section, the vocals sit wistfully above the retro production. Vocally, the artist brings grit and heartbreak to the track through his pained delivery and a swirling arrangement of harmonies (a 1950’s multiverse Post Malone, if you will). 

This track is proof of the artist’s commitment to an eclectic visual style. JMAP has crafted a personal brand that uses vintage aesthetics and classic hip-hop tropes with a considerable degree of flair. The Man’s cover art reinforces this goal; showing the immaculately styled artist atop some classic 50’s visual cues.

The Man himself

[Image credit: JMAP (provided by artist)]

The Man might be JMAP’s first official release of 2022, but here’s hoping it’s not his last. I’m certain that the new Elvis movie has reinvigorated the thirst for 50’s culture, and JMAP is poised to ride that very wave.

You can stream the new single here.