Mez Back With New EP
Making waves for over a decade for his immaculate pen game and keen visual eye, North Carolina rapper Mez has guided the creative of many of the game’s biggest artists. Finally ready for his moment in the sun, the multi-talented artist comes through with The Loading EP, his first official project of the streaming era. The seven track EP covers miles of ground, following Mez’s perspective as he explores the nature of love and friendship on “Around The World,” with help from Leon Bridges, reflects on a cold and uncaring universe in the contemplative “Devil Is A Judge,” and rattles off tongue-twisting tales about his pursuit of the bag in lead single “Call On” ft. Kurtis Wells. The diverse EP features production from talents as diverse as Los Angeles’s Tae Beast, Chicago underground sound architects Monte Booker, Phoelix & Cam O’bi, hard-hitting Atlanta native DJ Mark B, and more. Featuring additional guest appearances from Isaiah Rashad, MAVI, SAINt JHN, and Childish Major, The Loading EP is available everywhere via Mass Appeal.
Says Mez about the new EP: “The Loading EP symbolizes the (Un) Loading of my thoughts. My ideas. My fears. The (Re) Loading of my love for music after so many things felt in the way. The (Down) Loading of new energy. New courage and strength. New ideas. The Loading EP is conceptualized around the way I think. Making connections between things that might not always fit together. Creating something from the void in-between. Just bossing up in general.”
The EP arrives with a brand new video for “Hot Spot,” the standout collaboration with Isaiah Rashad, directed by Mez himself. Produced by Monte Booker, Phoelix & Cam O’bi, the track finds the two talented musicians reflecting on relationships they’ve had over the years, never giving up on romance despite its challenges. Mez compares his unbreakable connection with his girl to a phone’s hotspot, taking the metaphor even further in the video with his love interest’s face being covered by a screen. Isaiah Rashad delivers a verse for the yearners, starting off completely separated on the screen from his love interest but slowly working his way closer to her as his verse goes on, symbolizing that modern romance is indeed possible.
The Loading EP marks the latest phase in a long and varied career for Mez. Emerging out of Raleigh in the early 2010s, Mez was a leading light in a fertile NC rap scene that birthed underground and mainstream stars. Mez’s sharp lyrics and assured artistic vision helped convince some of music’s biggest stars to trust him with their creative visions. Then known as “King Mez,” the rapper was one of the driving forces behind Compton, Dr. Dre’s long-awaited third album, appearing on nine tracks and writing on several others–his efforts drew praise from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, Vulture, and many others. Mez has been a regular affiliate of his friend and fellow North Carolinian J. Cole, and has contributed several verses to Dreamville compilations, including Revenge Of The Dreamers III and last year’s Creed III: The Soundtrack. Mez is also a renowned video director, stepping behind the camera for clips like J. Cole’s “Middle Child” and “a m a r i,” Dreamville’s “Sleep Deprived” (on which he also raps), plus videos for Ari Lennox, Isaiah Rashad, and more. Most recently, Mez earned a writing credit on J. Cole’s chart-topping surprise album Might Delete Later, contributing to the Ari Lennox-sang hook on opening song “Pricey” ft. Ari Lennox, Young Dro & Gucci Mane. Check out our previous coverage on Mez here.
With The Loading EP out now, Mez proves that he is an artistic force to be reckoned with in the rap game and beyond. Stay tuned for more.