Tez McClain

Anybody, and I mean anybody, with a co sign from Brad Jordan - better known as Scarface - warrants a listen. Such is exactly the reason giving Atlanta's Tez McClain a listen was so imperative. Where there is potential in Tez's music, one of the worst things an up and coming artist can do is answer the dreaded "whose style does yours compare to?" It's fun the answer with those who inspired you growing up, but the moment he/she says someone, they are automatically pigeonholed and unfortunately not given a fair share.

Tez says his ability to make a variety of records is classic Tip while his introspection has highlights of Nas. That alone will make it hard for the masses to give him a fair shake. "Jordan's And A Gold Chain" is decent and a record that has given him a respectable buzz. The Nas sample is even well placed, but Tez falls short on making it a record that will make the masses gravitate towards his sound. Instead, of the three videos listed, "Untitled" shows the most promise as McCain grapples with several real life topics in a purely honest fashion. Again, it's not Nas, but respectable none the less.

Time will tell if Tez blossoms into the next MC Atlanta to make noise nationwide. Dubbing him the new age T.I. is too much at this point. He may not be the usual "Atlanta rapper" as he standed in his bio; he's also not making the type of music that can grow to define an entire generation like several of those "Atlanta rappers" before him. As long as McClain continues to plant the seed of success, however, something will eventually bloom. Whether or not he's capable of becoming a household name is a totally different topic altogether. - XXL

Tez McClain recently released a visual for "Free Lunch," the title track from his forthcoming mixtape. Throughout the song McClain offers up "food for thought" while criticizing his hip-hop counterparts.

The song serves as a call to action for rappers to step away from the "swag rap" that has saturated the industry. McClain assumes the role of the "realist in the game," and takes on the responsibility of leading hip-hop into a world, espousing real world lyrical content. - Creative Loafting

With 15 years in the underground rap game, South Atlanta native Tez McClain has a lot history and experience to draw from. His skills on the mic have allowed him to collaborate with the likes of Geto Boys legend Scarface, while releasing a plethora of solo material that has run the gamut from Dirty South grime rap to message-driven conscious hip-hop. His years in the trenches have led him to understand the importance of maintaining an identity and keeping an eye towards current trends, and that it’s possible for an artist to embrace the role of both player and prophet.

On Wednesday, Tez McClain will release his latest record, Free Lunch, and today we’re excited to be able to premiere lead single “Fallin Down.” Featuring production from frequent collaborator J.Sky, the track finds McClain in a philosophical mood as he fires off proclamation after proclamation to the universe over a hard-hitting snare and atmospheric samples. “I don’t feel like going to work / It ain’t got shit to do with being grown / All this pressure is driving me berserk / Nigga, but you’re trying to get it on your own,” he spits, shining a light on the mental and emotional exhaustion that comes with creating art and pursuing your dreams while struggling against the practical realities of day-to-day existence. In his track description on SoundCloud, McClain writes that his goal is to “remove the veil of idealism through emotional transparency.” If that’s the case, consider his goal met. Tez McClain may have spent many years honing his identity and technique, but it’s his self-awareness and wisdom that strike the hardest. Listen below. - Immersive Atlanta

Check out our Southern Rapper as he vies for a spot on Sucker Freestyles. - MTV

Tez McClain may have been spotted rocking Jordans and a Gold Chain on his latest feature, but fly fashions weren’t always in the ATL up-and-comer’s budget. On new street single Sittin’ Back, Tez and guest Dipp take a look back at the days when they had nothing, celebrating how far they’ve come to date and anticipating the monetary gains that lie in their respective futures. Paperboy Fabe produces, crafting a blissfully mellow sampled beat laced with smooth sax lines. Craving more? Keep it locked for release details on McClain’s The Graduate: Wishful Thinking 2 LP, which has yet to receive a solid drop date. - DJ Booth.net

Here’s the newest video from Tez McClain, which we felt was post-worthy due to the magazine Tez is peeping throughout the entire vid. The Jordan fans should dig this one. - Slam Magazine online

This young fella goes by the name of Tez McClain and this here song is called “Untitled” produced by LT Moe. You can find it on his forthcoming project Wishful Thinking 2.
- You Heard That New

a.Fam Believes in Hard Work. Check out the new remix from Al Gator Ft. Tez McClain and Embassy Music Board. Produced by Focus - Aftermath Entertainment