Joseph Black keeps it honest on Mad at Me

Duluth native Joseph Black doesn't subscribe to the bravado and false machismo that is often heard in rap music. Instead, Black is one of an emerging group of hip-hop artists who aren't afraid to be open and vulnerable. We saw that on his last release, "Always and Forever," and he delievers the same kind of honesty and intensity on "Mad at Me," his latest.

The track finds Black addressing the conflicting feelings that come at a relationship's end. He's going on with his life and finding success, but he can't shake the feeling that the relationship that ended on a bad note can be renewed if only he can swallow his pride and she can get over her anger.

"Mad at Me" showcases Black's ablity to fuse hip-hop with musical arrangements that have a pop sound.