Toronto-based rapper/actor Rayhan  delivers his latest EP  HIGH NOON to our earshot as the year closes. The 6 track project sees him collaborating with a handful of producers from Canada, the UK, the US, and Melbourne, to Guatemala and centers on topics like self-purpose, growth and a whole lot of reflection.

The first song “FOREVER SOLID INTRO” starts with an explosive electric guitar riff and punchy drums underpinned by Rayhan’s energetic and charismatic flow. Here, he unveils some details about himself, from his flaws, aspirations and inner thoughts. Rayhan also employs quite a lot of non-sequiturs alongside his engaging storytelling and lines like “I got multiple incomes, spent it all on a Tamagotchi? I ain’t trusting the system/Break the line, stay rocking/Been him, been that guy, trying ta live fast” did get our attention. This is followed by “Evil Strings, Pure Heart,” an insightful piece that employs a cinematic string sample with off-beat drum grooves. Here, Rayhan takes us deep into the dark crevices of his mind and shares some interesting anecdotes. The next track “Good Looking Rapper” is a blend of playful and introspective themes where Rayhan gives the audience a showcase of his lyrical prowess and caps it up with a memorable hook to match.

“HIGH NOON CRAY” is a dark boom-bap beat that employs a scenic and somewhat psychedelic sample that throws listeners into a trance. Once again, Rayhan employs a wide range of literary devices and an engaging stream-of-consciousness flow to get his story across with lines like “I ain’t got the time to play with hearts so just be upfront/ We can just be friends or we can be some friends who have fun/I know bands make you dance/drugging gets you high/Plug to my left with a pistol by his side.” In “Universe of Love,” Rayhan shows us a different side and shows vulnerability and emotions. Over a warm guitar-driven sample, he pours adulations on that special someone and shows them how he truly feels. The final track, “FLY LIL RAY OUTRO”  comprises a choppy soulful sample provided by producer Sussvarman and here Rayham proceeds to wreak the microphone with his expressive flow and engaging storytelling that dives into his childhood and the events that shaped him along the way.

Overall HIGH NOON, is as playful and serious as can be. Rayhan doesn’t try to confuse and throw listeners off with exaggerated performances but rather he sticks to familiar territories that anyone can relate to.

Rayhan is currently working on an EP trilogy. The EPs will blend a wide range of genres together.

Stream HIGH NOON on Apple Music.

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