[REVIEW] Whole World 'Gon Back Me
Fresh off the announcement of his forthcoming EP RAW DAWG comes Glimpse, the latest offering from artist Raj Mahal (@srirajmahal). With assistance from Danté Knows (@dante.knows), the track and accompanying video and a three minute tour-de-force that confirm the age old adage; less is more.
Production is handled by local heavyweight Domba (@dombatheproducer), who uses a sparse sonic palette to match Mahal’s steady growling. Echoing the clinical sound of a post-yeezus world, the dark ambience of the track allows the vocals to sit front and centre. A strong caribbean influence runs through Glimpse’s drums, a clear reference to the artist’s Haitian and Jamaican background.
‘Ten toes don’t need no slips’ Image: Still from Glimpse (feat. Danté Knows). Music Video by @__aaronbull.
The accompanying music video is perhaps even more sparse. Metallic and monochromatic, the videography from Aaron Bull (@__aaronbull) ties in neatly with the minimalism of the track. These aesthetic choices are the main strength of the video, as Bull’s artful colour grading mimics the industrial atmosphere of the instrumental. Subtle strobe flickering and distorted framing carry the simplicity of the video forward, and despite a three minute runtime, Bull’s deft videography keeps the viewer glued.
Despite only beginning his rap career in the last few years, Mahal has cultivated an image that is uniquely his. Dismissing the local hip-hop tropes of flares, motorcycles and balaclavas, the rapper appears to be stepping into a new stage of his artistry. Characterised by the sounds of artists such as BEAM, Danny Brown and A$AP (or not) Ferg, Glimpse has proven that there is definitely an audience for darker hip-hop within Western Sydney.
‘Bye Felicia’ Image: Still from Glimpse (feat. Danté Knows). Music Video by @__aaronbull.
Glimpse is, however, no debut from Mahal. Spanning collaborations with the likes of Nerve and Yibby, as well as opening slots for big names like YG and Smokepurpp, the emcee is working to make himself into a household name. Mahal embodies the quintessential Western Sydney artist; explosive, unique and unforgettable.
Until RAW DAWG, stream Glimpse (feat. Danté Knows) here.
Raj Mahal (Image Credit: Jordan Munns @jordankmunns)
