Prettybxykay - How Many Times
Weekly Music
Prettybxykay’s
“How Many Times” is a symphony of struggle and betrayal wrapped in Afrobeats that forces the listener to step back and see that a break-up song is more than just a slow melody to cry over. Having this as my introduction to the world of Afrobeats, Prettybxykay takes me on a journey of sound that isn't usually found on the surface of the typical Toronto sound. It's quick and a consistent sound that can be danced over, even during its slowed-down tones used to create ambiance within the song, and the emotion that it is pushing across to the listener. As complicated as the emotions that come with betrayal, Prettybxykay takes them and flips them to distract you from the pain.
One of the major standouts of this track is Prettybxykay's shifts in language and the different energies that come through almost as a duotone collection of sound. This allows us to feel deeper into the essence of the Afrobeats sound, attracting a wider range of listeners when introduced to Prettybxykay himself. A secondary standout that needs to be highlighted is the use of constant repetition in his course, which can often be seen as a turn-off in songs; here, it works by tapping deeper into the emotion of the feeling of betrayal. It goes beyond the song and speaks more to the emotion of wanting answers during a time of betrayal, wanting to know when it will end from the other side. It's clever storytelling that allows the listener to sit back and feel all that is needed to be felt.
Although the vocals are often hidden behind the strong melody throughout the song, Prettybxykay can keep them consistent and in pace with the music's speed. As mentioned, the key highlight is the use of repetition in his course and his slowed-down tone to tell more of the story he is trying to portray. His voice feels like a burst of joy behind the message; it’s playful and feels like an extension of the melody that is being used. His vocals aren't separate but can be seen as an instrument or a tool that is used to allow the listener to feel with him. It's beautiful and takes away from the confusion of one's emotions during a time of not knowing right from wrong.
The verse and melody that Prettybxykay uses are in tune with Afrobeats but out of tune with what is usually heard in the Toronto music scene. It's a new look at music that should be explored more widely and brought to the mainstream face of Toronto. It’s quick, fun, and something that can be diversified and enjoyed in multiple places outside of the African space. It's stunning with the mixing and mastering, making it feel like one coherent sound, leaving nothing out of place in the listening experience.
To conclude, Prettybxykay has been able to bring a fun play on the deep and dark emotions that come with betrayal. He takes the feeling of being cheated on and puts it into a melodic flow state that allows the listener to get lost in the sound without losing the depth of what the message and story are presenting. It is an amazing introduction to Afrobeats, allowing for a diversification of sound, and me wanting to hear more from Prettybxykay, it's different and it has me wanting more.
Written by Chris Mxri
