From the recording Levels
LEVELS
"Levels" is one of the most personal songs I've written because it reflects something I've come to believe about life, love, and success: nothing meaningful can be rushed.
We live in a culture that celebrates overnight success and instant gratification, but the truth is that every worthwhile relationship, every dream, and every accomplishment is built one step at a time. There are no shortcuts. No elevators. No cheat codes.
That's the heartbeat of this song.
When I sing, "There are levels to this love," I'm talking about much more than romance. I'm talking about trust, commitment, friendship, purpose, and personal growth. Every season teaches us something. Every challenge prepares us for what's next. If we try to skip the process, we often miss the very lessons that make us ready for the next level.
The rap verse sets the tone perfectly: "This ain't a game. No cheats. No skips." It's a reminder that life rewards those who are willing to climb, stay patient, and embrace the journey instead of chasing only the destination.
Musically, I wanted "Levels" to blend soul, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and groove into something that feels uplifting while carrying a deeper message. Voss brings incredible energy and perspective with the rap performance, while Echo's vocals add warmth and beauty that reinforce the song's message of growth and partnership. Together with The Nu Funk Society, we created a track that's both a celebration and a challenge—to keep climbing.
Whether you're building a relationship, pursuing your career, chasing a dream, or simply becoming a better version of yourself, I hope this song reminds you that every step matters.
Take your time.
Trust the process.
Keep climbing.
There are levels to this.
Written, Produced, Mixed & Performed by Derrick D'MAR Martin
Performed by D'MAR & The Nu Funk Society
Featuring Voss & Echo
Lyrics
LEVELS
Written Produced, Mixed by D'MAR Performed by D'MAR & The Nu Funk Society with Voss & Echo.
Rap Intro Verse
This ain’t a game
No cheats, No skips
Can’t just start at the top
With the gold in your grip
Got layers, Got depth
Got to peel it like an onion
Every floor a new view
Every Step’s got something
She wanna run
But the climb’s were the treasure sits
Girl I’m telling you there’s levels to this
Ain’t no elevator to the penthouse
Gotta climb
Heart’s a stair case
Step steady
[Verse 1]
You think it's checkers but it's chess tonight
One move ahead
I keep it outta sight
Heart's a staircase
Baby take the flight
[Prechorus]
You climb too fast
You’ll miss the view
Every step's got something new
[Chorus]
There are levels to this love
Girl
Levels
Not just highs
There's dips and trebles
Step by step
We rise
We revel
There are levels
Baby
Levels
There are levels to this love you see
Climb the ladder don’t skip on me
Step by step is how we grow
Off the top ‘till we earn that flow
Bit by bit we build this thing
No call yet, no diamond rings
Start at zero as to three
There are levels to this love you see
[Verse 2]
You want the crown but can't skip the climb
Every king’s earned it
One move at a time
Love’s a mountain
Not a straight line
[Prechorus]
You leap too far
You might just fall
Gotta pace it
Girl
Take it all
[Chorus]
There are levels to this love
Girl
Levels
Not just highs
There's dips and trebles
Step by step
We rise
We revel
There are levels
Baby
Levels
There are levels to this love you see
Climb the ladder don’t skip on me
Step by step is how we grow
Off the top ‘till we earn that flow
Bit by bit we build this thing
No call yet, no diamond rings
Start at zero as to three
There are levels to this love you see
Bridge
There are levels to this love you
Climb the ladder don’t skip on me
Step by step is how we grow
Not the top ’til we earn that flow
Bit by bit we build this thing
No call yet, no diamond ring
Start at zero as to three
There are levels to this love you see
[Chorus]
There are levels to this love
Girl
Levels
Not just highs
There's dips and trebles
Step by step
We rise
We revel
There are levels
Baby
Levels
There are levels to this love you see
Climb the ladder don’t skip on me
Step by step is how we grow
Off the top ‘till we earn that flow
Bit by bit we build this thing
No call yet, no diamond rings
Start at zero as to three
There are levels to this love you see