Wave Length is a hip-hop group based out of Wilmington, NC, that is set on pushing the envelope of what modern-day hip-hop music could be. Comprised of emcee MoeSOS DC, emcee/keyboardist Will Matthews, and bassist Jack Warfield, the group has played 100+ combined shows through North Carolina consisting of cutting-edge live performances, groovy instrumentation, and uplifting lyrics. As the group prepares for the release of their first album, Garden, set for late spring/early summer, they have released its first single, titled “Black Cherry.”
“Black Cherry” is the culmination of the years that Wave Length has spent playing live shows in an effort to find their sound and identity. While coming to the realization of the love the team has for introspective and reflective hip-hop, Wave Length hit the studio to produce a record that draws from the reality of pain, perseverance, and patience. It brings to the table not only a refreshing sound but also a vulnerable and relatable story revolving around the struggles of mental health, promptly cutting through the noise and poising Wave Length as a group that will leave a lasting imprint on not only the hip-hop genre, but also the lives of its fans.
The vocal sample and keys provide a new age, modern rap sound while the bass and drum line pay homage to the groove hip-hop found during the heights of the Neo-Soul and Jazz-influenced era. Deep basslines accompany the evenly-paced hook, with the catchy line “Jack, play that bass guitar.”
MoeSOS DC takes storytelling responsibilities in this first release, first claiming “this is the darker side of summer,” in which one has to deal with the realities of life’s tragedies while trying to enjoy the beauty of the season. He smoothly recounts the way it feels to have a weight on your shoulders that is unshakeable, and even though his tone isn’t melancholic by any means, there is a pointed heaviness to the vocals. The second verse conveys the sadness that one experiences while being unable to help their friend through a mental crisis that ultimately leads to an untimely death. Emotions pour out during this verse and a palpable pain can be heard with the cracks in the vocal delivery, which builds throughout the song to the climaxing point of the third and final hook.
With a unique sound and poignant lyricism, the members of Wave Length are returning to the roots of hip-hop, leaving a memorable first impression that will keep us looking out for what is yet to come.
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