Marcus Coates is back with a new statement, this time a deeply personal one. His newest single, "Built Different," is a testament to this, successfully blending the best elements of explosive, modern R&B, rap, and lo-fi rap, taking us along for a brutally honest and introspective ride through both struggle and triumph. This track will be part of an upcoming documentary, and we get a sense of a visual tale that is just as cinematic as the music. The origin story surrounding "Built Different" lends an emotional weight that sets it apart immediately.
Marcus wrote the song while based in Afghanistan and poured all the hardships and complexities of that situation into every bar and beat. The result is a song that not only entertains but resonates. The lo-fi rap portions give the song an intimate, diary-like feel, and the modern R&B tinge rounds out the edges, making it such a powerful record that combines a sense of openness and invincibility. Marcus turns the tough times he's endured into a story of inspiration. There's a palpable sense of gratitude sewn throughout the track, an acknowledgement of the journey he has taken to get back home and the healing power that music has provided him along the way. "Built Different" is a song that celebrates endurance, one life lived courageously, and an invitation for other listeners to assess their own resilience.
Regarding production, the track strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication. The minimal beats complement Marcus' rich voice and narrative style, and the hazy lo-fi fringes serve as a gentle cushion for the record. The genre-melding shows Marcus's versatility, and he's not limited to one sound or style, but is comfortable expressing complex emotions through music. On "Built Different," Marcus Coates offers a ditty that reads as much like a diary entry as it does a musical statement. It's a beautiful, versatile reminder that strength can emerge through hardship, and it also establishes Marcus as a musician who spins tales with weight, depth, and heart. Both fans and the uninitiated will find something here to latch onto, whether it's through the candor of his lyrics, the vibe of the production, or in a universal call to endure that resonates long.