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I’m always on the lookout for new talent, especially from my hometown Birmingham, I recently crossed paths with Guni, a young and promising artist from the city. During our meeting, his cool, calm, and driven demeanour immediately caught my attention. Naturally, I was eager to dive into his music.
Guni's standout track on Spotify, 'Like They Never Had,' with nearly 100,000 plays, caught my attention first. A soulful sample, confident rapping, and a meaningful message behind the music — sold! If you're new to Guni, this track is a perfect introduction. His writing is honest and witty, vividly painting a picture of navigating his hometown. I instantly added this song to my playlists and then delved into his latest release, 'Gotta Make It.'
Right from the drop, we're welcomed with a DJ Mustard/West Coast Bop type beat, a perfect match for real rap. The bounce of the 808s and the precisely placed drums create a hypnotic energy that complements the honest lyrics. It's a formula we love; reminiscent of Nipsey Hussle, Mozzy, Bla$t — masters of this sound. So, first things first, a big shout out to the producer, Problematic.
Guni understood the assignment. He effortlessly sits back on this beat and rides the pockets like a pro. He glides between the 808s with the finesse of someone like Jack Harlow, but with a more direct message. Guni's focus? His dedication to the grind, his unwavering commitment to reaching his goals. The verse takes us on a journey through his battles against distractions, his self-investment, and the initial fruits of his labor. In many ways, this track harkens back to some of Nipsey's early catalog, where he's preaching dedication, grind, and motivation in a way that resonates from the club to the car to the hood!
What really grabbed me about this track is its purposeful writing and the coolness of its delivery! There's a confidence in Guni's voice that makes every lyric feel genuine and compelling. No panic in his tone, no wavering in his voice—Guni speaks with conviction. His self-belief makes me believe! My only gripe? The track's length. It felt more like a teaser, a freestyle, or the foundation of an album interlude rather than a full-fledged solo release. That's especially noticeable when you compare it to his previous releases like 'Like They Never Had' or 'He is Working.' Guni truly shines when he steps back and narrates his observations and experiences.
In conclusion, Guni's latest track is a glimpse into his evolving artistry. While it leaves me wanting more, there's no denying his raw talent and the authenticity he brings to the mic. With the right direction, he's set to make waves in the scene. I'm eagerly anticipating what he drops next!
Stream here, and let us know your thoughts.