Written by Alvan Weathers
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
Majid Jordan is certainly not a household name in music, but it will be. This Canadian duo of Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman first came onto the scene, albeit rather quietly, with a feature on fellow Canadian rapper Drake’s single “Hold On We’re Going Home.” He later signed them to his record label OVO Sound. With production credits on many of Drake’s songs, and an MTV VMA to match, Majid Jordan is no amateur when it comes to creating exclusive sounds. Their debut EP “A Place Like This” has gained a lot of attention as the two singers create a new bridge between R&B and places unknown.
“A Place Like This” is the first song on their EP, and for good reason. It gives us a sense of the two artists both individually and as a whole. Both Al Maskati and Ullman exchange the lead vocals as they each find unique versions of the same lyrics and somehow make them sound new. Majid Jordan’s special blend of flowing bass, intertwined with soft synth chords, makes a very relaxed and laid-back vibe while still keeping it interesting with a wide range of vocals and soft percussion. There is no main sound or rhythm to identify the song, but the lack of it creates a particular identity itself. Lyrics such as, “Brings a tear to my eye when you remind me/how you came to my side and you stayed by me,” really bring this track together and help drive home the feeling that they set out to create. An avid Drake fan could definitely tell why he signed these two.
As the beat fades out for a moment to let their vocals shine, there is no defining moment to make the listener want to stay, but instead there is a moment of raw music. These are brief moments of sweet, sweet bliss that only last for seconds and we’re always left wanting more. Majid Jordan’s mid-range tones could be called lazy if they didn’t fit so damn well with the song. Unlike other contemporary vocalists of both pop and R&B, neither Al Maskati nor Ullman try to take the spotlight and shine it on themselves. Instead, they create a kind of give-and-take over a quiet, heartfelt rhythm that doesn’t overpower the listener but holds them close. “Your wish my command,/so go on take my hand,” sings Ullman. And we do just that.
“A Place Like This” is not only unique in its content, but its style as well. There is an essence of hip-hop in this track so subtle that it can be heard only if you’re looking for it. The shallow, electronic kick drum and click-clack of the percussion are reminiscent of an early Neptunes jam with Pharrell at the helm. But instead of fat beats, Majid Jordan gives us chill repetition with smooth vibes all around. Music with such a relaxed tone is rare in the mainstream these days and that’s why “A Place Like This” is so special. It can best be described as minimalist R&B, but the term ‘minimalist’ downplays the true quality of their production. This song features multiple elements of sound design and mastering that are not often added to music. The bass is flexible and you can tell it has been crafted to give it a signature sound. The few chords that are used have different effects that help them meld with each other while not getting in the way. The beat itself is so intricate and fragile that you feel like it’s missing something, but it doesn’t even matter what it is.
Majid Jordan is currently under the radar as far as notoriety goes, but that is about change. This trademark sound will eventually come to define Majid Jordan once their popularity skyrockets, and trust me, it will.
