Multi-Hyphenate North Carolina Artist Mez (f.k.a. King Mez) Returns With New Single

]GRAMMY-nominated artist, songwriter, and film director Mez (f.k.a. King Mez) will be making his return to music, releasing “Call On” ft. Kurtis Wells, his first official single in nearly 4 years via Mass Appeal Records. You might know Mez from his work writing on Dr. Dre’s acclaimed Compton album (“Medicine Man,” “Deep Water,” “Darkside/Gone”) in 2015 or his work directing the video for J. Cole’s 8x-platinum “Middle Child.” Since then Mez has been busy with many creative endeavors – most importantly, releasing his own music.

On “Call On,” Mez shows off the breadth of his musical skill, starting off with slowed-down, nearly distorted vocals before switching to spitting rapid-fire bars over steady drums and simple keys. He ends the song switching up his flow again, giving into the urge to return to the game. Tinidad-born, Germany-based artists/producer Kurtis Wells provides a beautiful hook, using his hazy vocals to express longing and hard-earned ambition.

The self-directed video for “Call On” (out 2/9 at 12pm EST) is a sly commentary on how our life is dominated by screens, with a musician playing a screened-out cello and Mez rapping with a live drummer amid a field of TV screens.

Stream “Call On”

Watch “Call On”

“Mez (formerly King Mez) sees pressure and difficulty as a prime moment for preserving and conquering.” – Variety

“Mez’s pivotal role during Compton’s creation demonstrated his soulful cadence and sharp lyrics.” – Billboard

“Confident, but not braggadocious, there is a Southern timidness to Mez that is charming.” – Pitchfork

“Mez is shooting to win.” – NPR