HEWAS

The new single by Hewas, featuring Afroman, is unsurprisingly catchy and well produced. It also holds the potential to create a certain amount of derision, due to its graphic content and subject matter. This is also not likely to come as much of a surprise. It’s a lighthearted feel, coupled with something of a controversial topic, as told from the perspective of a philanderer. Though it might come with a hint of remorse, it’s hard not to see the hilarity of the “Wholething.” Hewas is a relative newcomer, but he has already amassed quite a following thanks to Tik Tok and now an impressive pedigree, Aside from recording “Wholething” with Afroman, he was actually discovered by the vocal pop group, 98 Degrees. Boasting a strong falsetto, his voice has a signature smoothness, and charismatic flair. His delivery and phrasing really give the song a distinctive and memorable quality. It’s not often that a singer can transition from falsetto to lower register, without it sounding forced. 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/iamHEwas/

We then come to the inimitable Afroman’s verse, and this is where things get spicy. Afroman has such a unique quality to his voice, with his commanding, yet relaxed baritone, that you would never confuse him for anyone else. He starts by doubling up with a melody line, provided Hewas and backing vocalists. What he does from here, has to be heard, to be fully absorbed. It’s a viciously candid and riotous diatribe, aimed at a young lady who is getting a little too clingy for his tastes. It’s a gasp inducing thirty seconds, that you can’t help but shake your head at. It’s not a bewildering departure from getting high, and forgetting to clean your room, but it’s certainly audacious. 

Afroman’s perspicacity on the unwritten rules of no strings attached hookups, is in full flex mode. She was/a sexual buzz, he rhymes, which isn’t the only thinly veiled reference to his biggest hit, but another example of the clever sexual pundits, sprinkled throughout “Wholething.” Hewas and Afroman bring starkly contrasting moods to the track, but they somehow merge, perfectly. “Wholething” is more contemporary than classic, and actually has a bit of a futuristic feel to it. You’ll wonder where something with such a unique blend of styles, simultaneously converging, came from. The production on “Wholething” is nothing short of tremendous. It utilizes keyboards and slick drum beats, to set the tone for the duplicitous piece. It wouldn’t be farfetched to predict significant radio play for “Wholething,” if not for the graphic content. 

SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/iamhewas 

Hewas seems poised for a breakout year in 2021. “Wholething” will succeed in revving up the chatter, regardless of how people feel about the subject matter. The irony is that Hewas, himself, doesn’t come across as a trigger for controversy. He’s a talented vocalist, and his scope seems to extend far beyond sophomoric fare. It’s precisely the ability to stay one step ahead of the game, that is a credible indicator of a young artist’s potential to achieve greatness. 

Joshua Beach

Melbourne, AUS

1/2021