With an unwavering authenticity that has fueled his incredible longevity, Newark, New Jersey hip-hop legend The Loose Cannon65 deserves to be mentioned with the best of them. He is a true reflection of rap’s cultural identity and has never swayed away from who he is, nor has he ever compromised his originality for bait or short-lived clout. He is the kind of artist who prides himself on his integrity, authenticity, and versatility, which allows him to get into the studio and make back-to-back hit music within the realms of hip-hop. I know it might sound like a cliché that has been overused, but The Loose Cannon65’s DNA is all hip-hop, and he oozes that both in charisma, raw talent, and the critically deserved acclaim that he has earned over the years. It’s about time the larger hip-hop community put some respect in his name!
The Loose Cannon65 returns with an indelibly haunting anthem dubbed “WAKING UP 2 U,” a collaborative effort with 6IX 5IVE label mate Luther Van Savage. At its core, this is an anthem with a very relatable theme that so many can identify with.
The intro is refreshing, as the gentle and mellifluous guitar melodies create such a smooth foundation. The Loose Cannon65 immediately tickles a listener’s fancy with his vocal adaptability right before the pulsating, drill-paced beats are unleashed, backed by the organic guitar melodies that continue haunting in the background.
The ominous 808s, dark fluctuating beat with brisk hi-hats create scenery for The Loose Cannon65, his deep, gravelly voice dominating the track in a rhythmic and syncopated manner as he relentlessly rides the beat like a pro.
“WAKING UP 2 U” explores the kind of familiar situation where you develop some kind of affection for a pretty lady in one of those occasional dalliances. While it would have been the usual mutual and casual sexual experience where everybody goes their way the following morning, for some reason, this one feels different, and you wish to spend more time with her.
The lines in the chorus— “come on baby got some love to fall in, I’m trying to wake up with you in the morning”—serve as a catchy and memorable hook that encapsulates the song’s overall theme.
“WAKING UP 2 U” also features a high-standard, impeccably shot and directed music video with visually striking appeal, with the wonderfully acted scenes reflecting the track’s message in the lyrics.
To add this anthem to your library, you know what to do; check the link attached and be gracious enough to recommend it to someone else who has a thing for high-energy and anthemic hip-hop like this.