Raz Simone continues to explore the trap sound with an intriguing level of depth and nuance. Today, he has released his long-awaited EP, Trap Spirituals, the title of which is a fitting description of the 8 tracks contained in the new project.
For a few years now, Simone has been rapping, producing, and promoting his music through his own independent label, Black Umbrella. He's now signed a deal with 300 Entertainment, which should bring some added, and deserved, exposure to the Seattle artist.
Trap Spirituals includes a few tracks Simone has dropped over the past year, including his latest single, "Gangstuh Shit," on which he owns up to -- and even celebrates -- his love for criminal behavior. The rest of the project finds Simone grappling with the dark side of where he comes from, knowing it has latched onto his persona in a permanent way.
Like the EP's title, the instrumentals are a blend of trappy drums and bass with organs, strings, and vocal samples that create a holy (and also haunting) churchlike ambiance. Simone is able to take command over the cinematic production using his natural vocal talents. Whether he’s singing or rapping, his words always resonate with layers of pain and raw emotion.
Download the EP, and let us know what you think of Raz Simone.