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Why I Love This NAS Song: “988” by Jacob Merrithew

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Jacob Merrithew’s artist page is HERE

Jacob Merrithew’s song “988” is a truly remarkable and intimate track, standing out in today’s music landscape, which is often dominated by autotuned vocals and overly polished productions. The sheer rawness of his performance immediately captured my attention. It felt incredibly honest, as though Jacob were pouring his heart and soul directly into the microphone. This authenticity is a breath of fresh air, creating a connection that polished, faultless recordings sometimes lack.

The message embedded within “988” carries significant weight, with a depth that resonates long after the final note fades. I deliberately won’t delve into the specifics of that message, as I believe it is something each listener should experience and interpret for themselves. The power of the song lies in its ability to evoke personal reflection and understanding.

What initially struck me was the song’s opening. It began with what I perceived as a tranquil, lo-fi piano piece, setting a serene and slightly melancholic atmosphere. This gentle introduction slowly builds, hinting at the emotional journey that lies ahead. It is a testament to Merrithew’s artistry that he can draw you in with such subtlety, preparing the listener for the profound narrative that unfolds.

“988” is not just a song; it is an experience—a poignant reminder of the beauty found in unvarnished expression and genuine emotion. It is a track that demands your full attention and rewards it with a truly moving auditory journey.

This review was submitted by fellow NAS artist: Emerson B. Ocampo

Their artist page can be found HERE

←10 Questions With Wind At Dawn
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 – this week: Unknow The Known – Lana Crow→

Comments

35 responses to “Why I Love This NAS Song: “988” by Jacob Merrithew”

  1. Bill Moores Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Bill Moores

    I also appreciate rawness in recordings. As you mentioned, much of music today sounds surreal in its perfection, lacking the human element.

    Reply
  2. Darren Burdis Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Darren Burdis

    I like the sentiment of this one. I think a lot of music nowadays is far too polished! Great review of another great track!

    Reply
    1. Jeremy B Avatar
      March 24, 2026
      Jeremy B

      I love that we’re seeing this wave of music production now that’s going more raw, more authentic, more human! This is reflected in the cover art also. Well done to Jacob for keeping it real.

      Reply
  3. NASP Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    NASP

    Very cool track and really nice review! Congratulations to both of you guys! 🤘

    Reply
  4. Dany Horovitz Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Dany Horovitz

    I was also a huge fan of this song’s opening! I’m very glad that Jacob is getting his due here on the website. It’s called 988, but it’s more like a 10 in my book! Great write up Emerson.

    Reply
  5. Troy Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Troy

    I love this new peer review series and seeing support of fellow nas artists.

    Reply
  6. noha :) Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    noha 🙂

    GOD THIS SONG IS HEARTWRENCHING. not only are the lyrics deeply emotional but the delivery is just so raw i thought he was about to burst into tears 🥹

    Reply
  7. Hubris Debris Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Hubris Debris

    Solid review- I had to go listen after reading, and I totally agree, the raw emotion that’s captured on the track is SUPER unique. Definitely dropping big feels

    Reply
  8. Madhav Suresh Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Madhav Suresh

    Wonderful review, I love the rawness and beautiful production in this song as well!

    Reply
  9. Revolution Reign Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Revolution Reign

    It’s nice to hear raw emotional music. It’s a good contrast to the over produced, over autotuned or outright AI generated stuff coming out daily.

    Reply
  10. Jo Wilburn Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Jo Wilburn

    Emerson, your review was very perceptive. I too love the stripped-down songs where the production is not overdone. This song was intimate and Heartfelt and dramatic in its simplicity. Thanks.

    Reply
  11. Crash World Avatar
    March 23, 2026
    Crash World

    Great review by Emerson B. Ocampo of an important song by Jacob Merrithew about issues that are unfortunately pervasive in modern society right now.
    The song is a wake up call. It is beautifully presented.
    This is great work!

    Reply
  12. Emerson B. Ocampo Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Emerson B. Ocampo

    Let’s help spread the word. Giving all big hugs.

    Reply
  13. Myslie Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Myslie

    I really appriciate how much emotion was put into this track, and the way the songs vocals is recorded really reflects that message. Really an incredible song

    Reply
  14. Canelo Kot Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Canelo Kot

    This review is undoubtedly as honest as the song itself, and I feel you poured a bit of your heart into it, probably because it’s won over more than just your ears. Excellent review!

    Reply
  15. Andrew Flynn Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Andrew Flynn

    Great review and well written. Love the intimacy and authentic nature of this one too. Great song and great write up x

    Reply
  16. Jason Justly Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Jason Justly

    This perfectly sums up why the song feels so powerful. That unfiltered emotion and simplicity make it hit in a way polished tracks often don’t.

    Reply
  17. Chris Franklin Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Chris Franklin

    Great choice of track, and a sensitive review of a beautifully put together recording. We had this as our Thursday Pick a few weeks back, so completely concur with your decision to review this piece.
    Jacob has a number of heartfelt tracks; very unlike most rappers, so it is worth checking out his whole catalog ❤️

    Reply
  18. Esther (The Kashbuk) Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Esther (The Kashbuk)

    I read the review before listening to the track, wow! I think I need a minute… beautiful words for an incredibly powerful track, so glad you reviewed this, I love the piano and the guitar part at the end has a great sound.
    Thank you for reviewing this track, although it may haunt me forever, it is truly stunning, so very important and deserves every word of praise it gets x

    Reply
  19. 12 Below Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    12 Below

    Simple and focused on what actually matters here: the feeling. I like that! Not every track needs layers of polish or heavy production tricks, and you nailed it. Jacob didn’t overproduce it, and you didn’t overanalyze it. That works.

    Reply
  20. Terry Gilbey Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Terry Gilbey

    Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I definitely agree with the point about over-production sucking the soul and feeling from songs nowadays..

    Reply
  21. Thomas Dorn Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Thomas Dorn

    I really like these reviews by fellow artists. From a structural perspective, this kind of minimalism is difficult to execute effectively, yet you articulate why it works here. Jacob’s choice to leave space is precisely what creates the depth you describe.

    Reply
  22. germi kyna Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    germi kyna

    Great track and enlightening review!

    Reply
  23. DVous Music Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    DVous Music

    Emerson, this is a great choice! Organic music is such a treasured thing in our digital age. Songs like this are only going to become more popular as people crave real sound!

    Reply
  24. Steve Lazero Avatar
    March 24, 2026
    Steve Lazero

    The opening bars really draw you in- I listened before reading the review and didn’t expect the darkness portrayed, really moving.
    What an intense message against an almost playful beat at times. A unique artistic choice with some very nice production!

    Reply
  25. Antoni Grzyb Avatar
    March 25, 2026
    Antoni Grzyb

    I love a good piano intro. Short and sharp review, nice work, Emerson.

    Reply
  26. Maira Aslan Avatar
    March 25, 2026
    Maira Aslan

    This approach for an indie music review feels right for a piece like “988”, where the emotion speaks louder than explanation ever could. There is a quiet reverence in your words that mirrors the song’s intimacy.

    Reply
  27. Air Vibration Avatar
    March 25, 2026
    Air Vibration

    I like it when the producing is done minimal just gives more sincere and live like vibes.

    Reply
  28. Jezuro Avatar
    March 25, 2026
    Jezuro

    Thanks for taking the time to post this review. I’ll have to give it a listen.

    Reply
  29. Eli Marron Avatar
    March 26, 2026
    Eli Marron

    This is a great reminder that imperfection is often the point. What you’re describing – the slight roughness, the intimacy, the sense that the performance is happening right there – that’s what a lot of artists lose when they chase perfection ( I know I have…). The lo-fi piano and unpolished vocal aren’t limitations, they are creative decisions. Jacob leaned into that, and you captured why it works without overcomplicating it.

    Reply
  30. Jacob Merrithew Avatar
    March 26, 2026
    Jacob Merrithew

    I think it’s incredible for me as an artist to see people diving into the work like this in only a way that I could have dreamed of. Thank you for your support, I’m so excited to have the music video to tie to this song soon.

    Reply
  31. Séa Byrne Avatar
    March 27, 2026
    Séa Byrne

    What a lovely review by Emerson. I was very happy to hear this recommendation for 988 and thoroughly enjoyed the track! Keep up the good work Jacob!

    Reply
  32. Schanz Avatar
    March 28, 2026
    Schanz

    Thank you for the cool review – the song is so interesting that I had to listen right in – and absolutely agree. raw, unadulterated and intimate.

    Reply
  33. Nate Rogue Avatar
    March 28, 2026
    Nate Rogue

    Me I just love the fact that some of us appreciate what is raw
    The so-called basic parts of creation isn’t always as easy as it seems
    This song is nice

    Reply
  34. Sean Hearne Avatar
    March 28, 2026
    Sean Hearne

    Solid and informative review, always pleased to hear quality NAS sounds.

    Reply

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