Ash has already proven himself as force of nature within the music industry and his latest single with singer Felukah is no exception. The two artists’ musical styles mesh with one another well, with both taking inspiration from electronic pop and traditional Egyptian music in new single, “On My Mind.”
Ash uses a sample controller to create a intoxicating rhythm along with combining percussion with an oud, making this song stand out from the outset. A standard drum machine is used for most of the verses as to not distract from Felukah’s incredible vocals. Still, Ash is able to full out the space with small, quick samples and sounds without once letting the song sound cramped or overbearing.
The progressive layering of instrumentation in the first half helps introduce each of the song’s elements while keeping the quickening pace and not overwhelming listeners. This would not be an Ash song if it didn’t have a saxophone solo, which the producer grants us in the final stage of the song, giving it a nice sendoff. The entire production of this song is a showcase of how Ash is able to blend his French and Egyptian musical heritage through well-placed and well-thought-out production tricks and effects.
Ash’s production is aided by a stellar vocal performance from Felukah, whose strong but slightly raspy vocal delivery complements the instrumentation perfectly. Her melodies build on one another with every line of the verses, giving a subtle build of tension before the chorus starts. Moreover, Felukah’s ability to effortlessly switch back and forth between rap and pop keeps the song engaging, and her inclusion of Arabic in the pre-chorus only highlights her ability to blend hip-pop with Afrofuturism.
Both Ash’s and Felukah’s achievements as artists, and their noteworthy ability to mix genres, make this collaboration a match made in heaven. Both artists have projects on the horizon, with Felukah hinting at new music while Ash embarks on a world tour. It’ll be exciting to see what 2025 has in store for these two.
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