“I wrote this song based on the real-life experience of having no fans, being all alone, and coming up in an environment where everyone was out to get you; they wanted what you got when all you wanted to do was get ahead in life for yourself. We came up from hustlin’, that same ol’ story you’ve heard countless times. No one is going to feed you and give you a handout, so you got to go and get it. And I did it the only way I knew how at the time,” shares Cele Cortez about his most memorable song off his newest album, Tia Vickie’s Son.
In today’s oversaturated music market, finding an artist who not only challenges the genre’s boundaries but also infuses it with a raw, emotive energy is a rare feat. Cele Cortez, with his latest offering, “Never That,” does just that, presenting a hybrid hip-hop masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners. This song is a journey, not just of rhythm and beats but of struggle, resilience, and the undying human spirit.
The track kicks off on a powerful note, with Cele’s compelling rap delivery: “I faced the struggle and the pain/ In the pouring rain/ Kept on pushing, I been grinding/ That will never change.” Right from the start, Cele establishes a narrative of perseverance and strength, setting the tone for what’s to come. The opening lines are more than just an introduction; they are a declaration, a manifesto of an individual who has weathered storms and emerged unwavering.
As the song progresses to the hook, an unexpected shift occurs. Instead of ramping up the energy, Cele takes a divergent path, slowing down the tempo to delve into a more introspective and melodic section. This shift is not merely a stylistic choice but a narrative device, peeling back the layers of the artist’s persona to reveal a soul that is both tender and tenacious. The hook, “I remember times when/ I was there on my own/ Hustlin all alone/ Now I hear the crowd say/ Oh-oooh,” serves as a reflective pause, inviting listeners to glimpse the artist’s vulnerable side, juxtaposed against the resilience portrayed in the verses.
The second verse returns to the intensity of the first, weaving a tapestry of past hardships, personal victories, and a steadfast commitment to self-made success. Cele’s ability to recount his journey in a poetic yet straightforward manner adds a layer of authenticity to his music, making the narrative not just his, but universal.
Interestingly, the third verse marks another shift in delivery, adopting a more commercial and commanding tone. This stylistic evolution within the song could be seen as a nod to Cele’s versatility as an artist, as well as a strategic outro that leaves the listener with a lasting impression of dynamism and adaptability.
Musically, “Never That” is deceptively simple, yet its minimalist approach is its strength, allowing Cele’s lyrical prowess and vocal delivery to shine. The production eschews the heavy bass lines typical of many hip-hop tracks for a more balanced mix that complements the vocals, creating a harmonious interplay between the music and the message.
The song’s mix and master further enhance its hybrid nature, achieving a perfect equilibrium where neither the music nor the vocals overpower the other. This meticulous attention to sonic quality ensures that the emotional depth and complexity of the lyrics are not lost but amplified.
Cele Cortez concludes “Never That” with a direct message to his audience: “If you ever going through some bad stuff/ Keep the faith and keep going strong. Don’t give up.” It’s a fitting finale to a song that is both a personal reflection and a universal anthem of perseverance. This powerful goodbye is not just a word of encouragement but a testament to the artist’s journey and his hope for those who tread similar paths.
“This song is for anybody with a goal or a dream who is dedicated to seeing it through, whatever they may be going through. It is for inspiration. This song is for me. This song is for you,” says the artist.
Please support the artist by streaming the album on the platform of your choice: Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube Music, or on Spotify:
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