Marco (422)

Fall River native and recording artist Marco knows what it's like to keep pushing for what you believe. He's opened for artists like Pink, Montell Jordan and Nelly Furtado. The Portuguese rapper, singer, dancer and all around entertainer's newest album "Cold Hard Cash" is a cold hard look at being a self-made man in the Southcoast. His first single ,"Bounce To This," became extremely popular overseas and is equally sought after here. Marco's recordings have garnered much attention locally; you may have heard him on FUN 107 or HOT 106. You may also have seen him live at the Crystal Palace or The Eagle. Old-school influences definitely emerge through his lyrical style. There's a hint of Rob Base in his lyrical approach and his subject matter clearly exposes his appreciation for current day artists like 112 and Shaggy, both of whom he's opened for. The album's intro is a comedic look at how Marco's main desire in life was to become a superstar. It gives the listener insight into his upbeat personality. Upbeat as well, the single "Cold Hard Cash" takes a look at Marco and his material acquisitions. It's accompanied by a hypnotic rhythm and examines the cash flow of a rising star. It's a highly commercial track, in the sense that it doesn't go much deeper than Versace and a Lexus, but that's definitely what makes it work. Other tracks like "Y-U- Wanna Play Me" do delve deeper. This song is the story of an "unlucky" girl whose infidelity has cost her the ultimate price, a jeopardized relationship with Marco. "Why you wanna play me, when you know you need me?" the chorus melodically inquires. It's a well produced track that fuses hip-hop, pop, and R&B. "You Got To Get Down" is one of the best tracks on the album. Its soulful chorus and funky beat combines a mid- '70s disco sound with those of contemporary r&b remixes. It's certainly a club song that can keep people on the dance floor. "Memories" is a slow-paced journey into the past. The track is a touching look at first love and the curveballs life throws at young performers while they are pursuing their craft. The sweet, heartbreaking voice of the female singing the hook lends to the credibility of this track as a genuine hip-hop love song. Overall, the album is a great exploration of Portuguese culture in urban music. It's in your face, dance-style music and there's really no denying the fact that Marco has the guts, determination and the means to undertake and pursue a prosperous career in the recording industry. You can purchase "Cold Hard Cash" at FYE and Strawberries. For further information on Marco, contact 565 Music Company at (508) 672-1944. Soundings is Coastin's showcase of CDs by artists. Have you or your group made a CD of your music? Want to let readers know about it? Soundings is aimed at spotlighting the broad variety of musical talent in this area. Send us a copy of your CD along with a brief bio of your band and a phone number in case we need to follow up. Include information on how much the CD costs and where readers can purchase it. Send this material to The Standard-Times, c/o CDs, 25 Elm St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For more information, call Joanna McQuillan Weeks at (508) 979-4466.