“The Mack Too” is, quite simply, one of our favorite albums to come out of the crazy ride that’s been 2022 so far. Coming at us from one of the most promising young artists on the scene, the Real McKoy, “The Mack Too” is named, interestingly enough, for an old 1973 film starring comedy legend Richard Pryor and Max Julien. The film, which dealt with issues like Black Americans’ lives, blaxploitation, and other problems that so marked the era, was an adequate predictor for this rollercoaster of an album.
“The Mack Too” is about who you are, and who you could be. With tracks like “The Cowboy Way”, the Real McKoy gives his listeners the courage to embrace their identity, and to go in guns blazing. It’s a melodic tune that sets the perfect atmosphere. And situated as it is, at the beginning of the album, it creates the right mood to kick back, and let some music into your heart (without being corny).
But it seems the Real McKoy likes to keep his audience guessing. While most listeners would assume, after bombastic, badass tunes like “The Cowboy Way” and “Return of the Mack”, that that’s gonna be the mood for the entire album. Except that’s not the case. Because just when you’re getting comfy, thinking you know him, the Real McKoy goes and does a °180.
Because then you’ve got songs like “Love U all the Time ” and “Let’s Groove”, which are in a completely different register. Here, we get to see another side of the Real McKoy, one that’s soft, and emotional, which is true about most of us. There’s two sides, one ready to take you down, and one ready to cuddle you, and the Real McKoy manages to underscore both of them in one album. He’s just that kind of classy dude.
“Everything wit Mack ” and “Mama’s Theme” end the album on a soft, playful, yet at the same time soulful note, that keeps you craving more. Which is what we hope to get from this promising artist in the near future. Until then, make sure you check him out and follow him on Spotify. You won’t be disappointed.
