Hell’s Kitchen hero Marlon Craft returns to Lyrical Lemonade with a sensational music video for his latest song “Lot To Give.” Produced by 6ix (with additional production from Travis Antoine), the song poses the question of what true success looks like in a complex modern world. The song title creates an anaphora for the beginning stanza while Craft alternates between associations with a lot (lotta) and got (gotta). The current philosophical perspective from Craft revolves around gratitude, with understanding that it’s quite easy to overlook one’s good fortune.
“It’s hard to reach objectives when it’s all subjective. I think success is feelin’ blessed with all that you been blessed with…”
Craft further elaborates on his stance by emphasizing the addict-like behavior when it comes to dopamine injection; both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Highlighting a hedonistic society, many individuals of today rely on pleasure or instant gratification for fleeting moments of happiness. Like most of Marlon Craft’s discography, the level of transparency while expressing his vulnerabilities and emotional state(s) humanizes the record as it relates to a wide audience empathizing with him. For instance, Craft ponders whether he should take the vengeful path by calling out all the people that passed on him or downplayed his potential:
“But fu** playin the good guy, they tried to play me, they tried to paint me wit a blindfold instead of usin’ their good eye. I pitched and they passed on me and their coaches were like “good eye.”
The complicated and fluctuating state of Craft’s psyche is revealed when he questions what retribution would be in the truest sense, before reminding himself to be grateful that he gets to live a life of passion rather than destitution. Unsure whether or not success correlates with peace, Craft contemplates which is more important; a life of receiving or a life of giving, as he strives to provide while simultaneously building a foundation for his successor(s). The Nathan Smith directed music video perfectly illustrates the creative brilliance and genuineness expressed throughout the song. If you enjoyed this track, be sure to follow Marlon Craft, as he recently announced a new album is on the way!