Originally hailing from South-East London, British rapper N4T3 (aka Nathaniel Strong) began writing after moving to Kent as a pre-teen to help him attune his thoughts related to unfamiliar surroundings and the range of emotions that this brought to the surface. N4T3 found his ability to express himself through music to be of comfort and to enabling him to tackle day-to-day life with more resilience. Over the next few years, he became influenced by a range of genres including grime, old school hip-hop and even elements of metal. In October of this year, N4T3 released his EP Cookin’ up a Storm Vol.1 with the final track Cypher Vol.1 attracting particularly recognition.
Distort (set for release on 1st December 2023) is the first single from the upcoming EP Views From A Distorted Mind. An honest and raw study of how depression and a lack of self-belief can have a debilitating affect on both the mind and the body, Distort further develops the understanding of song structure, tone and lyrical dexterity that N4T3 is displaying. In an entirely relatable way, he comments on the themes of personal struggle, inner demons and the complexities of the human experience. He comments, “Every song I write means something to me, whether good or bad. Distort was written back in 2021 when I would reflect on the times I felt low and wished I didn’t exist. This song reminds me that although I have fleeting moments, it’s proof I can conquer.”
Opening with lyrical, almost placid background notes (which continue throughout the track) and a spoken voice section (Just what is it you’re looking for?), Distort begins gently with N4TE’s statement of intent and the need for writing, building both musically and lyrically throughout. That’s before I started writing negligent moans / Reveal what’s in my closet with these skeleton bones / For the first five years, I kept myself secluded to immerse right here / But now I’m slowly thinking lay it on the line and be true to my person.
Incorporating electronic elements, samples and programmed beats, the layers of texture throughout Distort meld with the deeply personal lyrics to tell the tale which veers between optimistic defiance and intense vulnerability. Featuring contributions from bandmate Zack Warner (of NTT), the unique characteristics of their voices blend and counterbalance each other effectively, reminiscent of the relationship between Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda. Lines where the rapping vocals are backed by melodic singing are particualrly effective. You distort the line between reality and real life / Scars will fade but memories remain on the knife (don’t tell me I will never escape, from this place) / I’ve wrote this out a thousand times trying to depict / But torn up many pages sticking to the script (but the hardest thing I’ve done is erase all this hate).
N4TE has worked closely with producers Mikey G and Meyrick De La Fuente to write a thought-provoking and candid track. Sonically, Distort is clear and vibrant; as different musical elements join as the song develops, no one is allowed to dominate, leading to a focus on the story that is being told.
If Distort is heard by a wide enough audience, it is sure to bring N4T3 many new followers. Fans of Linkin Park and Professor Green would no doubt find this subtly positive song of interest.
Distort is released on 1st December 2023.
Written: 19th November 2023
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