Mayce: Wake Me Up When It’s Over
Last month, Pittsburgh artist Mayce released his second full length project, Wake Me Up When it’s Over. Building off his debut tape These Things Take Time, Mayce looks to expand upon his foundation and showcase his evolution. Being that he writes, produces, and performs on each track, Mayce is able to take control of his own vision from start to finish. Lyricism has always been a strength of the young artist, but this tape he aims to go higher discussing topics from personal relationships to systemic Black plight.
One thing in particular that stands out throughout this tape is Mayce’s versatility from song to song. Listening straight through gives the up and down experience of various life battles. The diversity in topic and sound compliment each other well and again encapsulate the overall picture that Mayce attempts to paint within this project. One central theme that is reflected throughout the project is the idea of sleeping, dreaming, etc. Reflected by the album’s title, and referenced throughout the tape, Mayce speaks on his dreams and aspirations on songs such as “Froze” and “Stick to The Plan”, and compares them to the nightmar-ish visions described in “Prison” and “Used 2”. This concept is rectified in the end with the album titled track “Wake Me Up When It’s Over”.
Waking up is shown in another light in the track “Amerikkkan Dream”, which exposes listeners to the reality of growing up Black in America. For many young Black kids across the country, the only highlighted avenues of wealth and success are through athletics and entertainment. This ‘American Dream’ sold to young Black talents in America has led to the commodification of Black art and performance, or in his own words, ‘another part of the system’. To add another layer to this, Mayce speaks from experience on both sides being that he is an artist as well as a Division-1 football player.
The lead single and accompanying music video “Stick to the Plan”. Show Mayce’s journey seemingly through his own daydreams and ambitions of success. The music video, directed by BlakeMersTV, follows Mayce on his journey through space making music. The various ways in which he is able to relate to this common idea of waking up vs. dreaming is yet another testament to the overall versatility and creativity shown on this project.
Some other tracks that stood out were “Agendas” and “Better Now”. The former of the two, “Agendas” provides probably the most impressive and aggressive beat on the album. Transitioning from a steady, eerie tone, to a rock-infused drum background over each verse. “Better Now” is a spacey reflection of growing pains and adapting to life.
Overall this sophomore offering was a strong showing for the Pittsburgh artist. On top of the progression and versatility shown throughout this tape. With full production credits on every track minus the tapes lone interlude, it’s clear he took the two years since his last release seriously and wasted no time delivering another solid piece of work. His recent collaboration with Reazy Renegade, his all-encompassing approach, and his young potential are all important reasons to keep an eye on Mayce as an upcoming artist.