We Speak Indie Artist

Downfvll’s “Hellos and Goodbyes” Is A Haunting Anthem Of Loss And Survival

Published

2 weeks ago

February 28, 2025

Music4U

Grief is messy, unpredictable, and often impossible to put into words—but Downfvll has found a way. With “Hellos and Goodbyes”, the Paris-based producer and rapper Maeldan Wilmet crafts a sonic world that captures the pain of loss and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward. This isn’t just a song; it’s an emotional experience, blending dark pop, phonk, rap, and orchestral elements into something that feels both intimate and cinematic.

From the very first line—“woke up, to the sound of the phone, it’s late at night, like a quarter to four”—we’re thrown into a moment of sudden, devastating realization. The storytelling is direct yet deeply evocative, placing the listener right in the center of heartbreak. As the production swells, so does the emotional weight. Downfvll’s raw vocals cut through the ethereal, almost ghostly backdrop, making every word hit harder. The chorus, with its piercing refrain “The hellos aren’t worth the goodbyes”, is both a lament and an unfiltered reflection on the cruel nature of time and separation.

Musically, “Hellos and Goodbyes” is a masterclass in blending genres. The orchestral flourishes give it an almost gothic grandeur, while the underlying phonk beat keeps it grounded in a modern, edgy aesthetic. Downfvll’s ability to seamlessly fuse these elements creates an atmosphere that feels like it belongs in a futuristic noir film—dark, brooding, yet undeniably beautiful. His influences, from Woodkid’s cinematic orchestration to the emotional depth of NF, are present but never overshadow his unique artistic identity.

Lyrically, the song wrestles with existential questions and raw emotion. Lines like “What if I gave up and died, would the shape of your world even change a bit?” expose the darkest corners of grief—the loneliness, the self-doubt, the desperate search for meaning. Yet, rather than wallowing in despair, Downfvll channels these emotions into something transformative. “I refuse to sit on the side, I’ll become whatever you didn’t dare to be” isn’t just a lyric—it’s a declaration of survival, a promise to live on despite the pain.

What sets “Hellos and Goodbyes” apart is its ability to be both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether you’ve lost someone, battled inner demons, or simply felt the weight of time slipping away, there’s something in this track that will speak to you. Downfvll doesn’t offer easy answers, but he gives us something just as powerful: validation. The acknowledgment that grief is real, that it hurts, but that we can find a way through it.

With “Hellos and Goodbyes”, Downfvll cements himself as an artist who isn’t afraid to confront the heaviest emotions head-on. The song is haunting, yes, but it’s also cathartic—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, music has the power to make us feel seen.

We Speak Indie Artist

Ilajide Delivers A Groove-Heavy Reality Check With “BACKHAND”

Published

20 hours ago

March 11, 2025

Music4U

Ilajide has always been a master of rhythm, not just in the way he raps but in how he produces music that feels alive, pulsing with energy and intent. His latest single, “BACKHAND”, is another prime example of his ability to craft a sound that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in hip-hop’s essence. As the second offering from his upcoming album, Pocket Jams 2, set for release on April 20th, the track fuses elements of funk, house, and R&B, creating a groove-heavy anthem that feels as fresh as it does commanding.

From the jump, “BACKHAND” establishes itself with a beat that’s impossible to ignore. Ilajide’s production swings between silky smooth and razor-sharp, layering hypnotic basslines with crisp percussion that keeps the track moving at a steady but infectious pace. There’s a bounce to it, a natural momentum that feels effortlessly cool. This is the kind of track that demands movement, whether it’s a head nod, a two-step, or a full-out dancefloor takeover. The house and funk influences seep through in the track’s warmth, giving it a groove reminiscent of classic hip-hop party records while still carrying a modern, electronic edge.

Lyrically, Ilajide leans into his signature blend of sharp wit, casual storytelling, and effortless bravado. The hook – “Put the money in my left hand / ‘Fore you get hit with the backhand” – feels like a statement of both confidence and necessity. There’s humor in it, sure, but there’s also an undeniable truth: Ilajide is done waiting for his dues. He raps with a calm but commanding energy, making it clear that whether it’s respect, payment, or appreciation, he expects it upfront. The verses flow with a conversational ease, packed with lines that balance everyday realism with clever wordplay. When he raps, “Listen my insurance expired / Bald wheel really need a few new tires / Whip like Kit after six, Knight Rider,” it’s a perfect snapshot of his ability to turn the mundane into something memorable.

At its core, “BACKHAND” is about knowing your worth and setting boundaries. It’s a hustler’s anthem, not in the flashy, exaggerated way some rap records approach the theme, but in a way that feels grounded and genuine. Ilajide isn’t just flexing for the sake of it – he’s laying down the reality of what it means to be an artist, an entrepreneur, and a person navigating the world while making sure they don’t get taken advantage of. It’s a song about making sure people come correct, about demanding what you deserve, and doing it all while maintaining a level of effortless cool.

With Pocket Jams 2 on the horizon, “BACKHAND” serves as a perfect preview of what’s to come. Ilajide continues to push his sound forward, blurring genre lines while staying true to his Detroit roots. He’s not just making music – he’s building a sonic universe that reflects his creativity, his hustle, and his refusal to be boxed in. If this single is any indication, his upcoming project is going to be one worth keeping on repeat.