South African hip-hop is seeing a revival, as more artists enter the pool of rap stardom, and KZN-hailing Ferlando Young is one of those indie talents testing the waters.
His latest offering “Your Love” does well to garner attention, blending R&B and hip-hop elements into a love song that breaks down the traditional chorus structure.
Young narrates the things he loves about his lady, flowing steadily over a relentless beat. While he can certainly drop bars, some parts of the song feel underwhelming. The lyrics aim for romance but veer too far into an over-sexualised territory. Rather than conveying a sense of sensuality, they end up sounding crude. Yes, hip-hop often explores these themes, but there’s a fine line between being clever about intimacy, and falling into tastelessness.
The production does well to support the track, providing a basic backdrop for Young’s verses. But the lack of a strong hook or any dynamic shifts leaves the song feeling a bit flat. That being said, Young has effortlessly channeled a mainstream sound, and it will certainly work in his favour.
“Your Love” is a solid effort, showcasing the young rapper’s potential, even it falls short here and there. And with time, as well as a clearer sense of his artistic identity, Ferlando Young could have something properly compelling to offer.
