Nazeer Art’aud drops new album

Based in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nazeer Art’aud is an independent hip hop artist who took his first creative steps when he started to write poetry at age nine. Three years later, he began applying his writing to music and explored the sphere of hip hop music via rapping.

Over the years he developed his own distinctive style that frames an old school hip hip vibe in his highly unique way. Venturing across a range of genres from boom bap to soul-inflected trap stylings, his engaging lyrical writing is brought to life via diverse sound that constantly surprises while showcases his versatility and chameleon-like musical output.

First making his official artistic entrance back in 2011 with his debut album Mary Jane Blvd., over the years he’s shared an impressive catalogue of music across multiple well-received singles and LPs. Now bringing us his latest release, he shares his brand new full-length record with the ten track album titled The Last Black Man in Philadelphia.

The album serves as a throwback to early 2000s soulful sample hip hop, channeling the style of Kanye West’s early works. The album offers a refreshing experience for true hip hop aficionados, combining elements that will make listeners both laugh and cry. With the record’s title taking cues from one of the artist’s favourite films, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, this project holds a special place in Nazeer’s heart.

Kicking the release off with “The Ghost of Kanye’s Past,” pitched vocal samples dance above bright guitar flutters before Nazeer’s expressive vocals glide in alongside the playful pulse of bass guitar lines. Developing with the rattle and snap of the beat, the energy rises and falls as Nazeer threads his lively rapped flows above, resulting in an upbeat and soulful sound that puts his creativity and original style on full display.

“Saltburn” takes a moody turn as the sombre swells of brass textures underpin layers of vocals that pairs commanding delivery with bursts of belted shouts. Injecting a grooving rhythm with a thumping beat, Nazeer lays down a slick demonstration of his dynamic vocal abilities, bending from razor-sharp rapped styles to punchy bouts on this engaging alternative hip hop outing.

On “Big Dogs Eat First,” Nazeer links up with fellow rapper Killa Showfa on an anthemic hip hop cut that perfectly balances energising vocal performances and crisp beats with a dreamy vibe from the airy instrumental arrangement. It’s a superb sound of memorable music hip hop music and stellar example of Nazeer Art’aud collaborative spirit.

Other highlights on the album include songs like “Lana Del Rey” which sees Nazeer joined by Gurskyman on a smooth jam that contrasts a mellow backing of vibrant instrumental textures, overlapping vocal layers and bold trap style bass lines. With Gurskyman laying down his own vocal flair, it’s another epic collision of artistic talent which offers a compelling sound that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Title track “The Last Black Man in Philadelphia” casts a downtempo sound of plodding bass lines and captivating vocal performances from Nazeer and featured artist Evander. Powerful lyrics delivered via gripping vocal delivery ride above the stripped back arrangement which provides the perfect backing for Nazeer’s meaningful songwriting to shine.

Concluding the record with “Black Boys Cry in the Dark,” a soft atmosphere of gentle vocalisations and warm piano tones gives way to the subtle rumble of bass and thud of beats. With smooth ebb and flow that sways between a smokey jazz-tinged style and deconstructed trap vibe, it’s a killer example of Nazeer Art’aud’s fierce originality and forward-thinking hip hop sound while offering an enthralling finale to his sensational new album.

Listen to The Last Black Man in Philadelphia below