Alan Ward is back with a vengeance and leaving the noise behind. His latest single, “Don’t Need,” a hard-knocking hip-hop joint, has just been released, and it’s a straight-ahead anthem of independence, grit, and self-preservation.
“Don’t Need” gets to the point in a hurry. Ward’s flow is razor-sharp, surging over a sparsely minimalist beat that thumps confidently. “Don’t Need” is a matter of fact. Ward gets straight to it from the very first bar. He’s through waiting for approval, no longer needing anyone else’s validation. With steely bars and an unwavering tone, he draws an unambiguous line between who he was and who he’s become.
The beat is about a stripped-down production as they come, giving the lyrics room to shine. It’s a canvas that offers nowhere to hide, and Ward doesn’t want to. His vocal delivery is raw and bare, with just enough cynicism to keep your ears attentive. There’s an openness and honesty to the track, no gimmicks, no overproduction, just a clear voice pushing through the fog.
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