Nick Mass, a multifaceted artist hailing from Buffalo, NY, is known for his ability to merge various forms of creative expression. Describing himself as a “rapper, painter, creative, dude,” Nick is a prominent figure in Buffalo’s vibrant hip-hop, art, poetry, and comedy scenes. His work is a deep exploration of themes like mental health, sexuality, and the complexities of human connection. Through his art, Nick reflects on the roles we play for one another, how we relate to the world, and the emotions that often remain unsaid.
“5:32,” the lead single from his debut EP “Cigarette Vending Machine,” is an introspective piece that dives into his personal struggles with waking up early. The song is inspired by a particular period in late summer 2023, during his second long-term relationship. Nick’s partner at the time, an extreme morning person, had a rigorous morning routine that stood in stark contrast to Nick’s preference for staying up until the early hours of the morning. This conflict of rhythms forms the foundation of “5:32,” a song that metaphorically represents the internal battle between his own natural inclinations and the pressures to conform to someone else’s routine.
The track “5:32” is a brilliant representation of Nick Mass’s artistic identity, blending smooth jazzy hip-hop production with an industrial edge on the vocals and effects. The song’s title is more than just a time of day; it’s a symbol of Nick’s internal struggle, representing the moment he’d either be reluctantly waking up or finally winding down from a long night of creativity. The lyrics vividly capture his battle with early mornings, a reality he faced daily during his relationship in the summer of 2023. This was a time when he was deeply in love but also deeply at odds with his partner’s lifestyle.
The specific time, 5:32, holds personal significance, rooted in a playful yet poignant routine that Nick and his partner shared. They would send each other a meme of a Volkswagen punch bug every morning at precisely 5:32, a ritual that initially motivated Nick to wake up. This quirky game became their substitute for a standard good morning text, a way of connecting that was unique to them. However, as Nick’s art demanded more of his time, late nights became more frequent, and the morning routine turned into a struggle. The push and pull between his love for his partner and his need for creative expression is at the heart of this track.
Lyrically, “5:32” is a candid exploration of Nick’s relationship with mornings. The first verse delves into the physical and mental exhaustion that accompanies his attempts to start the day. From battling a never-ending to-do list to dealing with the physical toll of heavy smoking, Nick paints a picture of someone constantly at odds with the early hours. The verse also touches on the lingering effects of a previous relationship, adding another layer of emotional depth to the track. The second verse shifts focus slightly, reflecting on his father’s attempts to reassure him amidst self-doubt and the alienation Nick feels from various communities in Buffalo. The sense of being spread too thin, without a true sense of belonging, is a recurring theme in Nick’s work, and “5:32” captures this sentiment powerfully.
