maim is the latest project from Boot Raymond, an artist that caught our attention for his soulful, engaging abstract hip-hop sound. At only 16 years old, he is making waves with rich sonics and lyrics that denote an attention to detail. Whether it be across gritty, scattering samples or smooth, warm grooves, Raymond draws the listener in with a heartfelt dose of introspection and enticing storytelling.
He’s an artist unafraid to experiment and push the boundaries, which remains evident across the project such as on glitchy opener “black sambas”, with its serene flows and sense of wistfulness. “morning coffee”‘s dark, cozy ambiance and weaving flows keep the listener on their toes while painting detailed pictures, while he also employs expansive soundscapes like the sweeping “fein4love”, produced by @croko.moko. It displays a grounded sense of versatility, while Raymond brings forward an emotive, authentic flow throughout. “where’s the glow?” provides a project highlight with its smooth vocals laced atop a balmy concoction of soul samples and rich bass. He also shows melodic capabilities on tracks like “left me behind”, which utilize a mixture of raw hip-hop flows and dynamic melodies to give the song extra vibrance.
maim presents a portrait of a soul wise beyond his years, and it beckons multiple listens with its layered production and detail-oriented lyricism. It’s a sonic journey that captivates with its elegant blend of abstract hip-hop, jazz rap, and more, making for an engaging listen throughout. Give maim a listen here now.
Cover art by @who.azan
