The prolific artist offers commentary on the current state of the genre by combining fast flexes and vulnerable confessions.
Shinigami has dropped a surprise two-track EP, featuring production from Swedish prodigy outby16, as well as forces kaleido and grxgvr. In spite of the ironic title, the 20-year-old artist makes a strong statement with the name of the project: “love it or hate it, this counts as rap music in 2020.” The track “wrist!” features a minimalist instrumental with hard-hitting 808s. Shinigami delivers a grimy performance, but contrasts guns, jewelry, and designer brands with reflections about his mental health and love life. On “delusional,” we are met with a more ambient, ethereal sound, leaving Shinigami in a vulnerable, introspective mood. The artist questions his own sanity, singing “maybe it’s all inside my head and I’m delusional,” and predicts that the people who doubt him now are going to show love after his passing.
Stream “rap music!” below.