Welcome to the latest installment of 034 Issues Podcast, where we bring you the most exciting and engaging content from the world of music and beyond! Today, we are thrilled to present a thrilling head-to-head battle between two incredible artists: Ayeezy and Rey Oceans. Both artists put forth their best five songs, ready to showcase their unique styles and musical prowess in a fierce competition that kept us on the edge of our seats.
With an array of genres and sounds, Ayeezy and Rey Oceans each brought their own flair to this musical showdown, resulting in an electrifying contest that highlighted their artistry. The competition was expertly judged by a panel that included our very own 034 Issues, RICH BAND STUDIOS, and NEWCASTLE BUZZ HUB, but for the sake of keeping things interesting, we will focus on our own scoring system here at 034 Issues you can check out the results on the "034 Versus" Facebook page.
ROUND 1
ATARAXIA VS BAYA CAPPER
We kick off the battle with ATARAXIA from Ayeezy, going up against Rey Oceans' track Baya Capper. Here's how we break it down:
ATARAXIA (Ayeezy)
Production Quality: 8/10
The production of ATARAXIA is solid, with a smooth blend between the vocals and the beat. The overall vibe fits the theme of calmness and serenity. However, there are moments where the vocals could be more prominent, as certain parts feel slightly muffled or drowned out by the instrumental. That said, it doesn’t take away from the track’s overall vibe, and it feels cohesive.
Context: 7/10
Lyrically, ATARAXIA stays mostly on topic with its theme of tranquility and peace, capturing a sense of calmness. However, a few lines feel disconnected from the central idea, which slightly disrupts the flow of the song. Some of the lyrics don't fully align with the theme, and while they aren't necessarily off-putting, they do take away from the song’s overall narrative strength.
Vibe/Replay Value: 7/10
ATARAXIA is a laid-back track with a chilled vibe that could appeal to a specific mood or audience. While it’s catchy and relaxing, it may not have the broad appeal that other tracks have. It’s a song that works best when you’re in the right frame of mind, but it might not be a track you'd play on repeat all the time.
Overall: 7,3/10
Baya Capper (Rey Oceans)
Production Quality: 8/10
The production on Baya Capper stands out with a strong, punchy 808 beat that gives it a distinct, vibey feel. The beat complements the flow of the vocals, and the track definitely carries a vibe that’s perfect for laid-back listening. However, the use of autotune could be polished, as there are some moments where it feels a bit overdone, making parts of the song sound slightly robotic. Even so, the track maintains a solid, enjoyable sound overall.
Context: 6/10
Lyrically, Baya Capper feels more like a freestyle rather than a carefully structured song with a clear topic. The song’s lyrics are decent but not particularly memorable or deep—there’s no real storyline or strong theme to tie the verses together. While the lyrics are far from bad, they don't really bring much to the table in terms of substance. It's the kind of track you wouldn’t necessarily listen to for the lyrical content, but for the vibe it gives off.
Vibe/Replay Value: 10/10
Where Baya Capper truly shines is in its vibe and replay value. The song is undeniably catchy, with a flow that’s perfect for kicking back or setting the mood at any party. It’s one of those tracks that sticks with you long after it ends. Whether you're driving around or just chilling with friends, Baya Capper is bound to make an impact. This is a true banger that you'll want to put on repeat.
Overall: 8/10
Round 2
Mlilo vs Rhonda Freestyle
Mlilo (Ayeezy)
Production Quality: 8/10
Mlilo is a banger when it comes to production. The beat hits hard, and it’s got the kind of rhythm that’ll have you nodding your head from start to finish. The blend between the vocals and the beat works well, and the adlibs add that extra layer of energy to the track. That said, while the overall production is strong, there are a few moments where the vocals could be polished just a bit more to make them sharper and more defined. Still, it’s a well-produced track that definitely stands out.
Context: 7/10
The lyrics in Mlilo are mostly on-topic, staying focused on the vibe and the energy the artist is trying to project. However, there are a few filler lines scattered throughout that feel a little disconnected from the central theme of the song. These moments don’t necessarily ruin the track, but they do distract from its overall narrative strength. The song could benefit from a more consistent flow in its lyrics.
Vibe/Replay Value: 9/10
Mlilo is undeniably vibey and modern, with a catchy flow that feels at home in today’s hip-hop scene. It’s the kind of track that would bang in the club or on a speaker, and it has that undeniable energy that draws listeners in. Whether you’re chilling or turning up, this song fits the mood perfectly. Its replay value is strong, as the upbeat vibe makes it easy to listen to multiple times without tiring of it.
Overall: 8/20
Rhonda Freestyle (Rey Oceans)
Production Quality: 6/10
The production on this freestyle feels raw, which is common for freestyles, but it could use more polish. The vocals are a bit muddy, and the mix doesn't quite bring out the energy of the bars. However, this can be forgiven since it's likely not intended to be a studio-ready track. That said, a clearer vocal mix would elevate it.
Context: 7/10
Rey Oceans delivers solid flows and some clever punchlines that keep the track engaging. Since it's a freestyle, expectations around structure and depth are different, and the song succeeds in terms of delivery. The catchy flow makes it easy to vibe to, but the bars could be a bit more memorable to push it higher.
Vibe/Replay Value: 7/10
Despite the raw production, the vibe is fun and energetic. While freestyles don’t always have massive replay value unless they're exceptional, this one still has enough appeal to be enjoyed multiple times. The catchy flow and decent punchlines keep it entertaining for a while.
Overall: 6,7/10
Round 3
Billi vs Soft
Billi(Ayeezy)
Production Quality: 9/10
The production on "Billi" is solid, with well-mixed vocals that sit nicely over a soothing, laid-back beat. The track has a balanced feel where the instrumental and vocals complement each other effectively. While the mix is clean, the production could still be pushed a bit further in terms of dynamics and adding some more layers to elevate the overall sound, but it’s still a smooth listen overall.
Context: 8/10
"Billi" delivers a vibe-heavy track that fits within the current wave of melodic, mood-driven music. While the song's structure and theme might feel a bit repetitive, it doesn’t detract much from the overall enjoyment. It maintains its focus and stays true to the vibe, which is more important here than lyrical depth or complexity.
Vibe/Replay Value: 9/10
The song has a highly catchy, radio-friendly quality that makes it easy to keep hitting play. The laid-back nature, combined with a melody that sticks with you, makes it a track you could hear repeatedly without getting tired of it. The smoothness of the production adds to its replayability, making it perfect for chill playlists or mainstream radio.
Overall: 8,7/10
Soft(Rey Oceans)
Production Quality: 8/10
The production on Soft is solid, with well-mixed vocals that sit well over the instrumental. The beat complements the vocals, creating a smooth vibe throughout the track. However, there are moments where Rey Oceans' vocals aren't as audible as they should be, which can make it harder to catch the full impact of the bars or lyrics. A clearer mix would help elevate the track even more.
Context: 7/10
While Soft carries a nice vibe, it does struggle a bit with cohesion. The song doesn't fully stick to a clear theme or narrative and feels more like a freestyle than a structured track. The lack of focus on a central topic may take away from its impact for some listeners, though the freestyle vibe could appeal to those who appreciate a more freeform, spontaneous feel to the song.
Vibe/Replay Value: 7/10
The song is definitely catchy, and after a few listens, the hook becomes more memorable. However, despite its catchiness, the lack of thematic depth and occasional issues with vocal clarity can cause the replay value to dip slightly compared to more polished tracks. Still, for those who enjoy vibey, laid-back tunes, it’s easy to keep hitting replay.
Overall: 7,3/10
Round 4
The Recovery vs Nyuku
The Recovery(Ayeezy)
Production Quality: 8/10
The production on The Recovery is solid, with well-mixed vocals that blend nicely with the soothing beat. The instrumental creates a mellow and reflective atmosphere, which complements the emotional weight of the track. While the mix is clean and the balance between beat and vocals is good, there's room for a bit more dynamic range to make the track stand out even more.
Context: 8/10
The Recovery feels like a narrative, with Ayeezy taking the listener through a personal journey or emotional experience. The delivery is strong, with Ayeezy conveying the story effectively. However, the song does feature a few filler lines that don’t necessarily contribute to the overall theme or message, which could make the track feel slightly padded. Still, the song's storytelling aspect works well, and the narrative holds attention despite these minor distractions.
Vibe/Replay Value: 7/10
The song has an uplifting, introspective vibe, making it something you’d play to boost your mood or reflect. However, it’s not especially catchy in terms of hooks or melodies, which limits its replay value a bit. It’s a track that might be more appreciated in certain moods or contexts, but it doesn’t have that instant earworm quality that would make it a go-to track for repeated listening.
Overall: 7,7/10
Nyuku(Rey Oceans)
Production Quality: 9/10
The production stands out with its crisp mixing and well-balanced elements. The vocals are smooth and sit perfectly in the mix, while the beat is a head-nodder, driving the track forward with energy. The synergy between the beat and the vocals elevates the song's overall feel.
Context: 9/10
Lyrically, "Nyuku" dives into themes of the pursuit of wealth, which is a staple in modern hip-hop but still feels fresh here. The verses, especially from Rey Oceans and La Cabra, are well-crafted and introspective, blending ambition and struggle. It's not just about the money; it’s about what it takes to get there.
Vibe/Replay Value: 8/10
The track has a strong, catchy hook and the kind of rhythm that makes it easy to replay. It blends modern hip-hop influences with a bit of a twist thanks to the Qwellers connection. While it’s instantly appealing, whether it sticks around long-term might depend on how much the listener connects with the message or vibe.
Overall: 8,7/10
Final Round
Get Go vs Ungaba Thembi(Unreleased)
Get Go (Ayeezy)
Production Quality: 8/10
The production on "Get Go" is solid with clear, smooth vocals and a beat that provides a laid-back, almost soothing vibe. The arrangement allows the vocals to take center stage, while the instrumental supports without overpowering, creating a relaxed atmosphere that complements the song's uplifting tone.
Context: 7/10
The track seems to focus on inspiration and motivation, promoting themes of hard work and dreaming big. However, some of the lines feel more generic or filler than truly impactful. While the overall message is positive, it lacks the depth or unique perspective to elevate it beyond typical motivational tropes.
Vibe/Replay Value: 7/10
The song doesn’t have the most immediate hook or standout features that would make it highly addictive, but its vibe is uplifting, making it a good choice for moments when you need encouragement or positivity. It’s the kind of track you'd listen to during introspective moments, but its replay value might be limited without more compelling elements.
Overall Assessment: "Get Go" provides a solid motivational vibe with its soothing production and clear message. While it’s a feel-good track, it lacks the punch or memorable lines to make it a standout, which could limit its appeal for frequent replays. It's a good track for moments of personal reflection or when you need a boost, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impact in the same way some other tracks do.
Overall: 7,3/10
Ungaba Thembi UNRELEASED(Rey Oceans)
Ungaba Thembi (Rey Oceans)
Production Quality: 8/10
The production on "Ungaba Thembi" is clean, with well-mixed vocals and a bouncy, upbeat beat that complements Rey Oceans' delivery. The rhythm gives the song an energetic feel, and the beat enhances the vocal performance without competing for attention. It's a smooth and polished track sonically, though it may not stand out in terms of innovation.
Context: 7/10
The track feels more like a freestyle than a fully fleshed-out song. While the flows are tight and there's a certain energy in the delivery, the song lacks a clear, cohesive narrative or message. The inclusion of sexual bars, while adding flair to the track, may also contribute to a sense of disjointedness or a lack of depth. It doesn’t feel like a song with a focused direction, but rather an expression of style and flow.
Vibe/Replay Value: 7/10
"Ungaba Thembi" has a laid-back, car-ride vibe to it. It's a track that works in certain settings—like cruising in a car—but doesn’t necessarily have the type of catchiness or infectious hook that would make it a go-to on repeat. The replay value might come from appreciating the flow or the vibe of the beat, but it’s not the kind of track that sticks with you after listening.
Overall Assessment:
"Ungaba Thembi" is solid in terms of production and showcases Rey Oceans' ability to flow effortlessly over a catchy beat. However, the lack of clear direction and the freestyle-like nature of the song means it doesn’t have the same impact or staying power as a more thought-out track. It works well in casual listening scenarios but lacks the substance to make it a standout hit.
Comparing "Get Go" and "Ungaba Thembi":
Both songs offer a smooth listening experience with solid production, but they differ in terms of depth and replay value. "Get Go" leans toward an uplifting and motivational message, albeit with some filler lines. "Ungaba Thembi," on the other hand, is more freestyle-driven and less focused on creating a cohesive theme. In terms of vibe, both tracks could be enjoyed in relaxed settings, but neither has the immediate, catchy appeal to be played on repeat all the time.
In this final round, "Get Go" edges out slightly for its more positive, clear message, even though it may lack the depth some listeners would prefer. "Ungaba Thembi" offers a fun, energetic vibe but doesn't leave a lasting impression with its freestyle approach.
Overall: 7,3/10
Final Remarks
Conclusion: Ayeezy vs Rey Oceans – A Clash of TITANS
After an intense showdown between two of 034 Music's finest, Ayeezy and Rey Oceans, we find ourselves at a rare but undeniable tie, both artists scored two wins apiece, with the final round resulting in a draw. While we didn't plan for a tie, it’s clear that both of these artists possess an incredible talent that is hard to match, and in the end, their unique styles and versatility made it nearly impossible to choose an outright winner.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t about bad submissions. Far from it. Both Ayeezy and Rey Oceans delivered solid tracks, showcasing their undeniable skills and distinctive sounds. However, knowing the depth and quality of their catalogs, it’s evident that they have much more to offer than what was presented in these rounds. This face-off only scratches the surface of their potential.
At the end of the day, Ayeezy and Rey Oceans are titans of 034 Music, each bringing their own energy and artistry to the table. Their contributions to the music scene are undeniable, and we can’t wait to see where they go from here. Whether it’s their thought-provoking lyrics, infectious beats, or their ability to connect with listeners, these two artists are forces to be reckoned with.
So, while we didn’t get a definitive winner this time, both Ayeezy and Rey Oceans have proven they’re at the top of their game and the best is still yet to come. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, because these titans are just getting started.
-034 Issues
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