Grim Singmuf: “Reflecting Soul” – full-frontal, conscious commentary

Grim Singmuf combines his eclectic taste in music with a massive zest for life. Raised in Fairmount Projects in Woonsocket, R.I. Now residing in Mount Shasta, CA, Grim has traveled via hitchhiking, and Train hopping (Amongst more conventional means). This lifestyle has built within him a strength in artistic diversity that helps to shape his very unique production style. “Reflecting Soul” is a 7 track album that Grim Singmuf completed alongside Romanian producer, Luca Andrei Iulian better known as LuaN Beats. This is the metaphorical breath of fresh air that rap music needs from time to time. With so much in the genre just sounding like meaningless garbage.

Grim Singmuf is the complete antithesis of meaningless, ignorant artists in the game. Sure some of their beats are good but in the end they just perpetuate everything that is wrong in the business. Grim has relevant messages and …surprise… his beats, flow, and production values are actually excellent.

Usually when a conscientious rapper comes along they hardly bring any good productions with them. Here Grim Singmuf brings LuaN Beats to the table, and the results are totally satisfying. The Romanian delivers with resonant, piano-driven soundscapes which perfectly suit the profound introspective narratives Grim has on his mind.

Grim also distributes all of his own material which means no large company will own, or silence his message. He’s a totally independent artist which is very impressive in itself. The lyricism alone makes this an album worth buying, so once you know that the production is similarly excellent, you’ll need to get this.

Open-minded, clever, cool, and innovative, much of “Reflecting Soul” is like witnessing Grim trading inner dialogue with himself. He pushes through his mindset while doing some autobiographical soul searching. But this album isn’t just about the artist’s experiences. Instead, his personal narrative is used as a frame of reference for ailing communities.

The rapper knows his duty to educate and inspire the public. Grim Singmuf is a true intellectual and a master of subtlety when the situation calls for it. There will be plenty of important insightful rap coming in the near future, but it is unlikely that much of it will match the cohesion and clarity of Grim’s vision.

Right from the opening “Intro” track, this album is crammed with enlightened rap bars and full-frontal, conscious commentary. By the time the piano brings in “Satisfied” – the second track on the album – you’ll be transfixed by the hypnotizing aura pervading Grim’s flow. Naturally, “Reflecting Soul” contains no ramped up, house party-type cuts. However, Grim Singmuf is an alert and readied presence throughout its playtime. The album’s collection of efficient beats rarely overstep Grim’s perceptive lyrics, which are often pushed center-stage.

Whenever rap albums focus heavily on lofty topics, there’s always a danger of them sounding righteous. Grim however isn’t a braggart. He’s not a shameless self-publicist and takes pride in that. Judging by the opening lines of the biting title, and standout track, “Reflecting Soul”, the rapper is content making music that is not directed at a mindless audience.

Still though, just because an artist wants to elevate, inform and expand minds via rap, it doesn’t mean the music shouldn’t sometimes veer into the catchy colors outside the lines. Which is what happens on the busier banging beat of “Reconnect”.

In a constantly evolving hip-hop environment of outlandish hustlers and animated trap crews, “Exit The World” and “Take In Let Go” will no doubt make people appreciative of Grim Singmuf’s artistic gifts and challenging mindset. And when the artist finally closes the show down with “Outro”, you’ll already be fully convinced that “Reflecting Soul” is home to some expertly communicated, insightful rap.

OFFICIAL LINKS: BANDCAMP – SOUNDCLOUD – INSTAGRAM

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