Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Mack Wilds. The 24-year-old Staten Island native first burst onto the scene when he played good-kid turned drug dealer Michael Lee on HBO’s The Wire. But after five seasons, Wilds switched gears and coasts to play the charming Dixon Wilson on the CW’s rebooted “90210″
But in between perfecting his acting and starring in George Lucas’ Red Tails, Wilds had a hidden talent, he could sing, and not like he can hold a note or two, but really sang! Once 90210 came to an end, he decided to chill on acting and step into a booth, and you know what, we’re not mad at him.
On his debut album “New York: A Love Story”Wilds introduces us to a different side of him. And I know what you’re thinking, just what the world needs, another actor turned singing-rapper. But before you write hime off, take a look at these five reason why the album is actually dope and then go and purchase the homie’s album.
1) It Lives Up To Its Name
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“New York: A Love Story” is drenched with all things NYC. Reminiscent of hip-hop’s hey day, Mack sonically captures not only the grittiness of the five boroughs, but the feel of life in the city. With everything from the summer time anthem “Own It” to the album’s title track, even if he doesn’t say a word, you know exactly what the boy reps. The dude has a track called “Duck Sauce” I mean it doesn’t get anymore New York than that. Seriously!
2) It’s Produced By SalaAM ReMi
Do we need say more? ReMi has worked with everyone from Miguel on his Kaleidoscope Dream album, Nas on “Life Is Good” and Amy Winehouse. So OBVIOUSLY Mack’s album is going to be dope. Don’t believe me? Holla at SaLaAm’s discography. Go on…I’ll wait.
3) For A Debut Album, Mack’s Got Some Noteables
It takes artists years to get a track produced by SalaAm ReMi. YEARS! Mack got it done on the first go ’round. But to then have Mobb Deep’s HaVoc and Pete Rock cook something for him is the greatest of looks. Not to mention Method Man does the hook on “Land of The Wild Things” and Raekwon The Chef drops some gems on “U Can Cry To me” makes for a solid debut.
4) He Covers Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time” And Does It Justice!
You can’t just go around covering Michael Jackson songs. You just don’t do that. So when the SalaAm ReMi and HaVoc produced track began to play I was caught off guard. Not by Wilds audacity to cover the song, but because I actually liked it. With the right fusion of hip-hop, while still maintaining its originality, your shoulders will begin to sway and your body will move before you even have a chance to hate on it.
5) It’s just a Good Album
After a few listens and even a few “Oh, I like this one” I realized Mack has a solid debut on his hands. Between the musicality of it, working with great producers and making the album intrinsically his own, fans will not be disappointed. You simply can’t hate on good music and this is simply put, a good album.
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