Modern Hip Hop Instrumental. What am I missing?

[kazaraki]

Hi Taxi Members!!

Can't seem to crack the modern hip hop instrumental genre. After listening back, I know the mix needs work and could be more polished but the screener mentioned that my sounds and rhythms do not match the listing. I'm thinking maybe my leads are too busy or not melodically engaging. I felt that I followed the instrumentation of the first reference track pretty closely (pads and plucks) but not according to the screener. Can you guys let me know how you think I can improve this track?

Much appreciated!!

-Kaz

Listing:
MODERN HIP-HOP INSTRUMENTAL TRACKS are needed by a super well-connected Publisher for collaboration with an emerging Top-Line Artist for placements in Film & TV.

"Smile" by Juice WRLD & The Weeknd

"Toosie Slide" by Drake

"Moonlight" by XXXTENTACION

NOTE: They’re in search of Instrumental Tracks that sound more like they belong on a hit record and less like what might be found in a Production Music Library.

Send them top-notch Hip-Hop Instrumentals with polished production and lots of mainstream appeal. Your submissions should be rhythmically and melodically engaging, with speaker-knocking beats, catchy hooks, and modern ear candy throughout. Any virtual instruments you use need to sound current and high-quality. No dated production or arrangements, please!

My Track:
https://soundcloud.com/user-821191058/night-dance-1

Screener's feedback:
I think you could improve this song by:

"This publisher is looking for very current sounding hip hop tracks. You might start with a more inventive beat and more rhythmic and catchy sonic elements.
I returned or forwarded this song because

Night Dance is not close enough to the rhythms or instrumentation referenced."

[kazaraki]

I just noticed that I should put this in the review section.

[cassmcentee]

Check the bass on the references
Your's is very muddy and buried (has almost a low-fi sound)
I'm guessing it needs to be clear and thumping

[kazaraki]

Hi Cassmcentee,

Thanks for your input!! I'll go check out those lower frequencies. Nice observation about it sounding low-fi because sometimes I can't tell the difference withing the hip hop subgenres.I'll listen back to it with that in mind.

-Kaz