Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s resident hip hop star Will McClean collaborates with Casual Healing on Man on a Mission, a mellow, emotive track that showcases his earnest lyricism.
McClean’s verses capture a deceptively relaxed flow, that in actuality is carefully constructed with tight rhymes and subtle melodies. Whilst the song’s first section explores themes common to the rap genre, such as parties, drugs and family connections, it quickly enters more serious territory in its second verse. McClean becomes suddenly intense, recounting brutal childhood memories of losing his father in a way that fiercely captures the listener’s attention. This dynamic moment reflects his desire to become more “cohesive, conceptual and vulnerable” in his material.
Man on a Mission boasts a soulful hook which positively floats upon its dreamy, relaxed production. Ethereal vocal ad libs and spacey guitars fill out the arrangement. By spending much of its early runtime building instrumental ideas, the track feels very full. It’s ambient, moody and yet still calm, a powerful balance to strike.
As Will McClean suggests, “take five and just listen” to this impassioned track. It’s engaging, emotional, and everything the best hip-hop music strives to be.
Will McClean is a Hip-Hop artist from Wellington, New Zealand.
Will McClean’s insightful lyricism is mellow but hard hitting; taking time to say what matters; and by taking a look through his discography you’ll find a blend of vulnerable raps with uplifting aspirations, set against smooth sample-based instrumentals; mixed in with the occasional heavier hip-hop track.
“Insightful lyricism and electric live performances.” - Sniffers.