Song of the Day: “JAMAL” by Derek Wise

Call him “JAMAL.”

Name: Derek Wise
Representing: Toronto, Canada
Genre: Trap
For fans of: Jazz Cartier, Rae Sremmurd
Single from: Inglorious
Produced by: Quincy Nanatakyi and Stretch
Song of the Day: July 21, 2017
Label(s): N/A

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t the start of Derek Wise’s new track, “JAMAL,” he leaves little to the imagination about how he earns money (I wash the drugs with a strainer). In the next line, he tells a woman’s partner to not blame her for cheating (I fucked your bitch, so don’t blame her). Standing in secluded areas with a deadly weapon, I suppose the Toronto-native rapper conveys an assortment of metaphorical messages. Some lyrical, others visual. In all honesty, I could be wrong, but I’m going to share what I’ve gathered.

First of all, Mr. Wise wears a sweater that reads “eupathy.” By definition, the word means ‘right feeling.’ In the eyes and the hearts of any individual, it can take on many ideologies. For instance, when someone is doing right by their spouse, it is because it feels like the right thing to do. When a person is harming someone else, intentionally, it may also feel justifiable to the aggressor. The purpose is to determine by way of an action.

Somewhat darker in his lyrical delivery, but hype enough to make you dance, I think Derek Wise’s “JAMAL” is a smidgen of what and who he is. Based on what I’ve watched, he is not the kind of man to buy a coffin. He doesn’t mind cutting down an entire tree to make one. Whether Wise kills and buries his demons in the video or he allows his demons to get the best of him, he is open yet abstract in ways most artists aren’t. Also, his voice isn’t the same as it is in earlier releases. It is darker and deeper, plainly and otherwise.

Moreover, he talks about the sort of women he surrounds. According to the lyrics, they wouldn’t be caught dead with nameless, non-popular human beings. He also doesn’t shop at the mall, and the eight ball in his pants is scratching his balls. Most importantly, his nickname is “JAMAL.” You shouldn’t forget it. I’m glad he’s back.