First off, i genuinely appreciate the detail in which you give feedback on music. Its refreshing to see others as enthusiastic about music.
1)The piano sound came from a sample pack. Initially if i use sounds from packs i tend to tweek, chop and edit to create something new from it but when i heard this particular sound it inspired me on a lyrical level. I took the first 3rd of a sample cut it in half and put it on top of each other so the piano plays with the Vibes sound. some stretching and pitching was done, and some basic stereo separation. The sample is from a pack called "Soul Surplus : Port Rich Vol1".
2) As for the effect on vocals it is just a tight delay which is throughout the whole track acting as an adlib or backing, using automation i made some bits louder than others.
3) Appreciate the input on the lyrics. This is my 3rd lyrical mixtape/project and my projection and inflection haven't always been my strong point from a self critical standpoint.
4) I would have really liked some extra vocals throughout as a backing and was experimenting with this for a while but nothing stuck except.....
5) .... While experimenting with improv i did come up with chorus so i gained something from it.
6)This technique you mentioned about adding breaks in drums ( and sometimes other instruments) for lyrics to standout is a process i have always enjoyed doing as it helps with add variation in often repetitive beats. Didn't think to use it much here as i used it in other tracks within the whole project. Possibly an overthink of variation of techniques throughout the project. Maybe it would have been more effective in this particular track.
7) Thanks for recognizing the snare, it was something so simple that i became proud of in the process as it fit nicely. It is in fact 2 snares and a clap layered on top of each other. I'm always cautious with reverb and in this case maybe too much XD. Adding distortion to reverb is not something i have done with snares so duly noted thanks for the tip.
Thank you so much for the time you have applied to this. I'll be sure to stay locked into you're stuff and give my feedback. Forgive me for any late replies as life creates unspecified schedules. That being said if you do have time , i would value you're views on any other tracks in the project and anything else posted. Much Love.