HIP-HOP/RAP, New Fire Music, NY, Rap, Single
Michael Kraun Lets His Confidence Do The Talking On “Good Talk (feat. Smoke DZA)”
Oct
Michael Kraun humbles egotistical rappers with “Good Talk (feat. Smoke DZA).” Bringing back the golden era of hip-hop with this hard-hitting boom-bap offering, he reminds listeners why he’s one of the illest in the game through clever, intricate wordplay and a confident cadence.
Off the rip, the Queens MC tells his peers that he couldn’t care less about those who try to one-up him. Although they may receive recognition from esteemed rappers, it doesn’t mean they can really spit. Instead of flexing and trying to live a lavish lifestyle, Kraun advises them to get their priorities in check. He then reflects on how he worked hard to get to where he is today, rapping, “I had to crawl before I walked but now see I’m flying through/All kind of moves/Survived all kinds of feuds.”
Deeper into the verse, he emphasizes the importance of staying focused on his goals, making it clear that he won’t let anyone distract him from his hustle. Although he prides himself on being a good person, his life experiences have made him more reserved. He also expresses his disappointment with the state of hip-hop, criticizing the industry’s lack of authenticity. As an underdog, he knows the struggles of being overlooked and misunderstood. However, he remains determined to make his mark in the rap game. His confidence is so strong that he believes even death won’t stop him from leaving a lasting legacy.
In the chorus, Michael Kraun calls out artists who are too impatient to wait their turn and expect success without putting in the work. He then reflects on his personal growth and how he’s remained true to himself since day one. He also speaks about his future aspirations before making it clear that he doesn’t need anyone’s approval. At the end of the day, he’s comfortable with who he is and refuses to let other people’s opinions affect his motion. He declares, “Cause I didn’t quit when they tried to get me to stop/You don’t have to like me, but I like me, so good talk.”
As the song continues, Smoke DZA reflects on how far he’s come in the hip-hop industry. Looking back on his accomplishments, he emphasizes how seriously he takes his craft and expresses his dedication to hip-hop. “Kush God treat the stu like a temple…gentle,” he spits. “Did it with no pad or no pencil/I’m a top-tier spitter on my credentials, simple.” The rest of the verse highlights his luxurious lifestyle, from smoking doja to courting beautiful women. Overall, he uses the verse to showcase his skills and experience as a respected rapper. With a solid reputation and years of experience under his belt, he makes it clear that he has nothing left to prove.
“Good Talk (feat. Smoke DZA)” closes out with Michael Kraun comparing his musical journey to navigating a maze, suggesting that he’s had to figure things out through trial and error. Through hard work, he’s overcome obstacles and found a way to succeed. He also gets candid with fans, touching on the things he’s had to overcome, including moments of fear and disappointment. Despite these challenges, he hasn’t let anything hold him back from his dreams, crediting himself for “swerving to the best.” Even though there have been moments when he lost hope, he’s kept his faith alive and maintained a relentless outlook on life. Elsewhere, he addresses people who start unnecessary drama. Whether he’s loved or hated, he makes it clear that he deserves respect. Before going back to the chorus, he raps about how believing in himself has gotten him to where he is today. Lines like “’Cause I dug deep into my soul/Realized if I’ll reach my goals, I’ll need to be chose/The reason I’ve grown/Is utter belief in my zone” take the narrative home.
At its core, “Good Talk” is about relentlessly chasing your dreams, overcoming obstacles, and not letting other people’s opinions define you. Smoke DZA adds to the song’s message by highlighting his accomplishments and confidence as an MC. Kraun’s lyric “You don’t have to like me, but I like me, so good talk” sums up the song’s main message. He’s comfortable with who he is, proud of how far he’s come, and determined to achieve his goals regardless of whether others support him.
In the future, Michael Kraun plans to release an EP called Beats, Rhymes, and Coffee. Inspired by the booming era of hip-hop but with his own flair, the production will blend lo-fi jazz hip-hop, soulful sounds, layered instrumentation, and boom bap. Beats, Rhymes, and Coffee will reflect on his journey as a rapper, writer, and lifelong New Yorker. It’ll also touch on social issues, mental health, the challenges of being an independent artist, and the importance of being original and conscious as a rapper. Most importantly, the project shows that being an artist is not something Michael can switch off when the workday begins.
Michael returns to the kind of hip-hop he grew up listening to, drawing inspiration from Queens legends like Nas and paying tribute to A Tribe Called Quest through the project’s title and its connection to Beats, Rhymes and Life. However, he puts his own experiences and perspective into those influences instead of simply mimicking the past.