TRACK OF THE WEEK : DRICKA

“This is my letter to the streets, mama, 

I gotta stand on my own two feet, mama” 

Thus begins the latest hit single from American singer and songwriter Dricka. A masterpiece from the very first beats, the tune, simply entitles “Mama”, is a veritable homage to the artist’s childhood. The song is an obviously very lively piece, giving color to the young artist’s experience growing up in the Hood, from the challenges she faced, to her successes. 

It shows a dual picture of both sadness at the hardships encountered by Dricka and her family, but also of the pride she feels both at herself and at her loved ones. 

“I’m so street, mama”, Dricka sings, yet you can’t help but wonder how much she means it. The lyrics are posed over shots of a very elegant looking Dricka, writing down in a fancy agenda and rapping – once again, a sign of that duality I mentioned. 

The tune itself is very good, when we’re looking strictly at the musical aspect. There is something uplifting about the beat itself, something oddly resilient. It’s the sort of beat that gives the listener the power to break free and follow their dreams. That being said, if “Mama” was simply an instrumental tune, it would be an outstanding song. 

But when you add Dricka’s complex, heartfelt lyrics, along with her beautiful, emotional voice, you get more than outstanding. You get a whole experience, taking you to the Hood, even thought you never been to the Hood before. There’s a whole story there – of love, devotion, trust, shame, pride, as well as about a million other feelings. 

This is what makes “Mama” (and ultimately, Dricka herself) so relatable – that no matter where you come from, you’ll probably identify a side of yourself in her story and her music. 

What I particularly like is the contrast between the toughness of the lyrics, and the grim, harsh life the words paint, and the strange fragility in Dricka’s voice. This makes it a much more complex, much more believable tune, and no doubt, a hit in its early stages.