Dax & zoy.yay
Dax – “Man I Used To Be” (Review)
I just listened to “Man I Used To Be” by Dax, and I honestly don’t even know where to begin. This song hit me on such a personal level—it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s one of the most honest songs I’ve heard in a long time. Dax doesn’t just rap in this track—he pours out his soul, and you can feel every bit of pain, reflection, and growth in his voice. He talks openly about his past—generational trauma, heartbreak, addictions, and the weight of trying to carry pain that was never his to bear. There’s a line that absolutely shook me: “Don’t ask the reason I changed, ask yourself why you stayed the same.” This reminded me of my own journey of breaking free from addiction—when I finally paused and asked myself a simple but life-changing question: What do I truly want, and what actually brings me real joy and fulfillment? That moment shifted everything for me, and hearing Dax put those feelings into words hit deeper.
And when he says “I don’t ever chase, I got God”, it’s like the whole song shifts into a declaration—not of who he was, but who he’s becoming and WHO it is that can make that change possible - GOD. This isn’t just about being “half the man I used to be”—it’s about letting go of who he was because that version of himself no longer serves him. That kind of honesty is rare, and it’s powerful.
The music video keeps things simple—just Dax and his words—and that’s all it needs. No distractions, no gimmicks. Just truth. It honestly felt like I was listening to someone speak directly to me, sharing things many of us feel but don’t say out loud. And it’s no surprise the video already has so many views just days after dropping. This is the kind of song that people need right now. We live in a world where everyone’s trying to look perfect, to pretend they’ve got it all figured out—but Dax is out here reminding us that it’s okay to struggle, to fall, to change, and to grow.
I usually write reviews, but this song? It moved me. It reminded me that change is possible, that healing is messy but worth it, and that who we used to be doesn’t have to define who we are now. “Man I Used To Be” is more than a song—it’s a testimony. And I truly believe everyone needs to hear it. If you’re going through something, if you’re trying to become better, or even if you’re just tired of the noise out there and want something real—listen to this. Let it speak to you the way it spoke to me. Many will find this song, and many will be blessed by it. I promise you that.
Connect with Dax on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Instagram.
Album Review: Wait Lifting, Vol. 1 – Zov.yay
Uncommon, but welcoming to all.” That line sums up the energy behind Zov.yay’s debut project, Wait Lifting, Vol. 1—a 9-track journey that’s part boom-bap throwback, part soul meditation, and all heart.
Hailing from New York City, Zov.yay blends classic hip-hop textures—think soulful samples, dusty drums, and jazzy undertones—with deeply introspective lyrics that challenge the listener to look inward. His approach is refreshingly unorthodox, especially in today’s fast-paced, trend-chasing music scene.
From the very first track, “I’m Weird Too”, Zov.yay sets the tone: this is music for the misfits, the thinkers, the ones who’ve never quite fit the mold. His rhymes are smooth but intentional, carrying a kind of quiet confidence that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. With over 50,000 views on the official video for “I’m Weird Too,” it’s clear the message is resonating.
Throughout the album, Zov.yay walks the line between bravado and vulnerability. Tracks like “Risk Dancing” and “Decorated Requests” showcase his ability to tell stories that feel lived-in and authentic, while songs like “CPR” and “Future Ave.” dig into themes of growth, identity, and resilience.
The production is warm and immersive, with layered beats that nod to hip-hop’s golden age without sounding dated. It’s boom-bap, but with soul—and Zov.yay knows just when to ride the pocket or let the beat breathe.
What makes Wait Lifting, Vol. 1 stand out is its inviting honesty. Zov.yay isn’t trying to be anyone but himself—and he encourages his listeners to do the same. There’s a therapeutic quality to the album, like a late-night conversation with a friend who gets it.
Whether you’re drawn in by the laid-back vibes, the storytelling, or the message of self-acceptance, this album offers something real and relatable. For a debut, it’s impressively cohesive and thoughtful, signaling that Zov.yay is an artist with a clear voice and vision.
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or just want hip-hop with more soul and substance, Wait Lifting, Vol. 1 is worth your time. It’s not just music—it’s a reminder that being “weird” might be the most human thing of all.
Connect with ZOV.YAY on the official website, Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram