In an ever-changing musical landscape, Eddie Lee and TakeMadeThat have defiantly stood against the tides, creating a final and triumphant homage to what they believe is a fading musical era. The result is “NOIR,” an album that marries dark, elegant trap sonics with vibrant vocals, delivering a touch of raw hopelessness that sets it apart from the contemporary sounds dominating the industry.
Eddie Lee, known as Mr. 2 Sides, reflects on the essence of perseverance, a skill that, as he notes, cannot be taught but is inherently present in the journey of every artist. “NOIR” becomes more than a collection of tracks; it’s a narrative of overcoming hurdles, a sonic representation of the artist’s continued movement forward. Eddie Lee’s choice to keep going, even in the darkest headspace, led him to a profound realization — that progress, no matter the direction, was a form of victory.
The shift in Eddie Lee’s sound, a departure from the shadows into the light, is credited to his collaborators: TakeMadeThat and JLTheEngineer. TakeMadeThat, the Memphis-born producer now residing in Spotsylvania, VA, brings a fluid and multidimensional approach to creation. His unique method, described as “painting,” allows feelings to guide the production, resulting in a sound that blends genres seamlessly. TakeMadeThat’s personal struggles during the creation of “NOIR” only add to the emotional depth woven into the fabric of the album.
JLTheEngineer, with a portfolio boasting collaborations with The Weeknd, Melanie Martinez, and earning 7.5 billion streams over his career, takes on the role of the maestro behind the soundboard. His meticulous approach demands perfection, and the success of “NOIR” on the iTunes charts for Hip Hop (#6 at the time of the interview) speaks to the effectiveness of his touch. As JLTheEngineer puts it, his job is to tie it all together, adding the “JL Experience” to an already dynamic collaboration.
With 50,000 streams across all platforms, “NOIR” is not just an auditory journey but a visual one, too. Kadeem Walker, a former Marine and Iraq War Veteran turned photographer, lends his unique perspective to the album’s visual narrative. His journey from military service to entrepreneurship mirrors the resilience found in the music, and his work as the featured photographer for the album encapsulates the passion and love that underpin the project.
In conclusion, “NOIR” by Eddie Lee and TakeMadeThat is a triumphant nod to the past while forging a path forward. The album’s success is not just a testament to the artists’ collective skill but also to their ability to create a cohesive and polished project. As “NOIR” continues to make waves, both sonically and visually, it signals the beginning of a new chapter in Eddie Lee‘s musical evolution. The album stands as a beacon of artistic achievement, leaving audiences eager to witness the next stages of this creative journey.
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