RodThaGreat | ‘Dark Nights of the Soul’ Review
From dusk till dawn, life throws all kinds of curveballs our way. Typically, it feels damn near impossible to figure out the solutions to these ongoing issues. But luckily, artists like RodThaGreat lay the groundwork through their music to get us through any and everything. Nine times out of ten, he’s transparent through his lyrics and speaks on battling inner demons. But throughout Rod’s songs, you’ll come to know that he’s strongwilled. In other moments, Rod also pushes self and global awareness.
“I always try to give the message that you’re not alone,” he adds. “It’s great to know that some people are like you. Especially for the empaths that are out there that are overwhelmed.”
RodThaGreat finds inspiration in life situations and rap icon, Nas. Eminem is an artist who influenced him to delve into songwriting. “I started writing my own songs and poems as an outlet from my physical life, and I enjoyed it,” Rod says. The name, RodThaGreat, was created for him by other peers during his sophomore year in high school. According to the rapper, it felt natural to be called this moniker.
His latest 6-track project, Dark Nights of the Soul, is something everyone is bound to go through in their lifetime, according to RodThaGreat.
“It’s a stage of transition and gives an in-depth perception of our existence. It’s all about finding the meaning of life,” he continues. “‘Dark Nights of the Soul’ was a bunch of songs written as poems without a beat. When I came across soundscapes that I liked, it all fit together, and the outcome was great!”
From a standpoint, Dark Nights of the Soul showcases intricate wordplay that persuades listeners to dig deep inside themselves for true happiness. Additionally, the themes revolve around love, loss, doubt, and current events that have caused things to go 360.
Sure tracks include “Broken Mirrors,” “Twin Flame,” and “Windows.” He recommends bumping “Broken Mirrors” and “Twin Flame” in the car for a chill experience.
“Broken Mirror” plays off the superstition of having seven years of bad luck if you break a mirror. The song itself explores retrospection, all while offering words of encouragement. Although things didn’t go as planned for RodThaGreat, he wouldn’t change a single thing. He raps, “I know way better than to mess with time travel/You change one event and you create a new reality/The butterfly effect can lead to nothing but catastrophe.” Towards the minute mark, the bassline does a double-back cut, before showcasing RodThaGreat’s positive outlook towards life, “Broken Mirrors,” as a whole, fits as his theme song.
“Seen that the universe keeps on attacking/You broke a mirror, you don’t know what happened/You got a gift you never unwrapped it/I be attracting, guess I’m a magnet.” Rod spits. Sonically, “Broken Mirror” uses a somber piano number and a booming bassline. This song also puts RodThaGreat’s melodic and speedy cadence on full display.
“Twin Flame,” which features FlowDa4, sees RodThaGreat pursuing a love interest. Rod concludes that this woman is his other half, so he’ll do anything to keep her happy. Cadence-wise, the two use a baritone register and velvety back vocals. Rod raps, “My intuition tells me you battle with entity,” and “take a trip inside my mind & I promise you will find.” To add, the songs led by a bright piano loop. In short, the song sees RodThaGreat just trying his hardest to keep a smile on his soulmate’s face.
Lastly, “Windows” sheds light on societal issues. This song’s goal is to wake the world up! For instance, he raps, “We go to war with political masses,” and “There are things in the world affecting us with their seduction.” Deeper into the track, RodThaGreat unveils that like us, the world continuously fights for affirmative action. “But still, in the end, Earth heals. Even when we all die, even when we all get killed,” he sings. On “Windows,” Rod taps into a pop sensibility. The beat carries lively arrangements, including snares, cymbals, and a guitar arpeggio. “Creating the hook on ‘Windows’ was pretty tough,” Rod admits. “I had to sing in a pop register, and I wasn’t singing the right notes at first. It took a lot of time before I finally got it right.
Moving forward, RodThaGreat plans on creating a slower and reverb version of Dark Nights of the Soul. He also is working on his next music collective!
His advice to upcoming artists who are looking to drop their first album is to be unique. “Create something that you’ll be proud of for years. You want to be able to listen and still be proud of what you created,” he says. “Instead of making a collection of songs that are entirely out of tone with each other, make something that will flow together. Don’t just create music, create an experience.”
Listen to Dark Nights of the Soul by RodThaGreat below:
