This charming track from Mataio Timaloa AKA Taiotims really put a smile on the dial today. With simple uncluttered beats and a nostalgic feel, backing close, intimate vocals that have been recorded in such a way as to capture that up-close-and-personal vibe, and the subject matter “A love letter to my significant other half” is so lovely to hear in Hip-Hop, or any style of music really, what’s not to love about it?
Music is such an important vehicle of expression for guys and I especially love hearing them express their inner thoughts and emotions through music, whether good or bad. I would never be one to complain about an over-abundance of males in the industry because it’s so very important to have these healthy forms of expression. And plus, they are so good at it! More men in music I say!
All For You features a female R&B-style vocal for the chorus and Timaloa comes in with his smooth flow and unique delivery that is very much his own personal style and flavour. It’s raunchy at the same time as being tender, as he expresses his gratitude for his partner’s love and support through hard times. I really like the sound of his voice and the way he delivers the lines. It’s real and raw and true.
Taio is an Auckland-based independent Hip-Hop artist who has been working hard to perfect his craft, and when comparing the two releases in 2021 to this one; the first for 2022, I can hear the progress coming through. There is a sense of class emerging with the addition of the female vocal, and those production skills going from strength to strength. Nothing is overdone, it’s clean and uncomplicated, with just some simple stops and vocal interaction with the chorus adding enough interest and variation, which is all the production value the track needs. It allows the lyrics and the message to shine.
Great to see Timaloa’s development as an artist, and the confidence accompanying those clever and sassy lyrics. Taiotims is saying “Hey, this is me, and I’m proud of it”. There is a warmth and a strength in who he is, and it’s great to see. Keep up the good work, love it!
Taiotims (Mataio Timaloa) is an Auckland Hip-Hop artist who has independently built a growing fanbase all over New Zealand. His music is known for his relatable story telling, nostalgic tone of voice and his soulful beats. Over the years Taiotims has perfected his craft by infusing the styles of his biggest influences (J. Cole, Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar) and molding it in to his own. Taiotims engineers his own vocals, and has received recognition from Local artists such as Scribe, Tom Scott (Home Brew), Lucky Lance, Che Fu, Diggy Dupe, Rizvan and Poetik.