The Southern Demon Nerd

JUDGES' BREAKDOWN

1. LEX the Lexicon Artist

   7.67/10 score · rank #8 of 23
   VOCALS 10

   PRODUCTION 10

   CHALLENGE 3

   I cannot identify the metaphor here. Lots of beautiful imagery being used, but overall the message of the song is face-value: “I smoke weed, and here’s what that looks, feels, sounds, and smells like.” It’s sensory, but it’s not a metaphor. A metaphor should draw similarities between two different things. At I thought this song was about “hanging weed smoke = personal existential crises and anxiety”. I can see this as an approach that would make the messaging stronger and more interesting. Vocalist is very strong. Great, tight, confident rapping. Great singing. EXCELLENT writing (top 3 for sure), great catchy chorus. Production is very well composed, many variations and switch ups, I like the instrumentation and arrangements, it supports the overall smoke sesh vibe-out feeling. I don’t think I hear the non-instrument sound, or it’s not prominent enough. You guys have a ton of potential and are one of my fav discoveries this round! “I cant trust the rain to simply wash away the pain i did Can't keep pushing my heads into thangs that in the away again. I keep leaking smoke and let it hang to peep which way the wind will sway to calculate my play to play who thinks i'm playing with em I aint playing all the games that they brought to the table with em Smoke there's a fire Smoke is hangin at the table with em Clouds in the air Just some shit i ain't inhaling with em They dont want the smoke But if they do I let em take it with em.” GOOD LORD that’s a fiiiiiire sequence of rhymes!

2. Mark Cooper

   6.33/10 score · rank #22 of 23
   VOCALS 7

   PRODUCTION 7

   CHALLENGE 5

   Dope track! Definitely a banger but it doesn’t truly fit the criteria for the challenge. Great lyrics and flow. The mix was solid but I just needed a little more clarity metaphorically and no lyrics posted made it a little challenging. Production zero notes.

3. Klopfenpop

   7.00/10 score · rank #14 of 23
   VOCALS 8

   PRODUCTION 7

   CHALLENGE 6

   This vocal performance is fantastic. I wish it had a little more volume and body to the bottom end, but it feels well-rehearsed and natural. The sung vocals could have used a bit more love on the mix to really make them shine. Some not-too-loud trailing effects and some compression on the master bus can really help blend a vocal into a track. I think vocal EQ went a little too far in a good direction. The sample work on this sounds great. All the original elements really contribute to the track, even the bonus percussion, which I love. Idk if it’s sampled or played but the guitar part is fucking rad. I’m not sure the second layer of the metaphor is super clear to me, but this song rips.

4. Ben Tarkus

   8.00/10 score · rank #1 of 23
   VOCALS 8

   PRODUCTION 8

   CHALLENGE 8

   I want this smoke. What a banger beat, and the words hang in my head like the smoke coming off this fire track. Really nailed the double meanings line after line. Can't wait to see you meet the future challenges with this same quality!

5. Richie Branson

   7.33/10 score · rank #6 of 23
   VOCALS 7

   PRODUCTION 7

   CHALLENGE 8

   Vocal performance def giving southern stoner anthem, I dig it. Gets a tad bit crowded at times in terms of bar ends and beginnings, but it’s all good. Melodically, I’m a fan of the chord progression here. Dream-like hazy vibes, Definitely fits the song’s theme. Couple of spots where the kick quantizes awkwardly, vox get drowned out a bit in places as well.