Alternative Hip Hop from Nino Saint James

Nino Saint James is a New York-based artist whose voice bears the marks of both experience and the energy of striding forward, sitting in a space where reflection and ambition collide. His alternative hip hop sound takes cues from trap, conscious rap and alternative R&B, while thematically, his work is about tension, the overlap of pain and progress and the balance between hesitation and drive.

His arrival in 2019 kick started an exciting musical story with a run of early singles that introduced his style, leading into the release of his breakout EP Late Bloomer. That project revealed his sonic ambition and outlined a unique perspective; the idea of the late bloomer distilled how he approached his journey, framing growth as something that doesn’t need to follow a fixed timeline. His music drew deserved comparisons to artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar, particularly in the way it balances reflective lyrical writing with slick vocal delivery.

Following the success of that record, then came a pause and after establishing that initial momentum, he stepped back, taking an extended hiatus from releasing music. The decision marked a shift, not away from music entirely, but toward reassessment. Last October, he shook off that silence by returning with new material in the form of his highly anticipated single “Go So Hard,” produced by Noizy.

Nino Saint James now brings us his latest release with his single titled “GDLT,” which stands for God Damn Long Time, a track which confirms his creative progression. Once again produced by Noizy, it was recorded at Fritz Studio in Rensselaer, New York, a space connected to the underground rap scene outside the city. Working alongside Fritz Schwarz and WaterStrtCxzy, also known as Yvng Cxzy, Nino Saint James shaped a track that reflects a more collective energy.

“GDLT” sets an immediate groove with the crisp snap of drums as the delicate flutter of airy guitar tones, soft piano notes and mellow vocalisations combine to form a smooth hip hop sound. As Nino’s razor-sharp rapped flow glides over the pulse of bass and intricate jump of the beat, the track progresses through passages of breezy melodic leads, injecting bright flourishes into the grooving soundscape.

It’s a stellar slice of Nino Saint James’ creativity and collaborative spirit, offering an instantly memorable hip hop jam that’s sure to impress new and existing listeners around the world. As he continues to shine on his long awaited return to the musical sphere, Nino Saint James shows no signs of slowing down and we can’t wait to see what comes next from this thrilling hip hop artist on the rise.

Listen to GDLT below

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