Ro James is known for posting rough cuts to SoundCloud.  Lucky for us that his rough cuts sound better than a lot of people’s finished songs.

The first track, Do Or Die, speaks on the thought processes of someone who has latched on to materialism as a way to cope with all the things that are missing in his life to the point that he can’t see anything but the bling.  His haunting vocals over the haunting production give a sense of someone who knows that there’s something more to life but just can’t seem to find it in himself.  The ambulance siren-like addition in the production is also a nice touch; it gives the hint of someone who needs healing.

 

The second track, First Time, is about someone who has lost the emotional connection to his lover so much that even the sex isn’t all that enjoyable anymore.  The production of this track has such an upbeat feel that you will find yourself moving to it before you realize what he’s talking about.  James’ vocals are wonderful, too, as he utilizes his gruffer tones to add some depth and emotion to the already deep lyrics.