Showcasing a melodic fusing of hip-hop, pop, and electronica, uLove: Rayhan’s Version is a resonating new album from Rayhan. The Toronto-based rapper, actor, and sketch comedian crafts a memorable sound throughout the release, inspired by nostalgia and the experience of living — from both moments of celebratory revelry to somber heartbreak. The album is a raw, introspective journey through heartbreak, addiction, love, and self-discovery in the chaotic, emotional landscape of one as they navigate their mid 20s. Rayhan first caught our ears with last year’s High Noon EP, and continues to impress here with this full-length.
“Broken Heart Intro” immerses in recounting forthcoming thematic influences from the get-go, weaving spoken-word musings on everything from temptations of drugs to one’s capacity to love. “I can’t get you out my head,” Rayhan’s vocals assume a more soulfully melodic ease, then descending into a murky deepness; the album consistently enamors in shifting between harmonious pop/hip-hop approachability and more experimental pursuits, evident here by the swampy, dark sequence into the “still miss you, though,” admission. Ensuing track “No Tomorrow” continues the haunting atmospheric chops. Rayhan’s vocals lament a recent break-up, then explore how drugs and promiscuity can serve as go-to numbing agents in treating a broken heart. The production swaps with artful cohesion between brisk hip-hop ferocity and late-night R&B intrigue.
A strong atmospheric prowess shows on “Cold,” where dreamy psych-rock guitars meet with lyrical reflections on feeling broken and hopeless. Shades of early Kendrick Lamar show in the “bird of prey,” poetic delivery. Pulsing synths stir on the subsequent “RUNNING FROM LOVE,” sensual in its smitten initial descriptions and moving into a palpable yearning alongside tender guitar soaring. The guitar work on “RUNNING FROM LOVE” is enjoyably scorching, while “FREAK HOES” follows in a darker electronic pop realm. Coming next, the spacey, smoky “New Reflections Interlude” exudes shades of Shabazz Palaces in its otherworldly, hypnotic hip-hop creativity.
The second half of the album continues to invigorate in its blend of darkly foreboding and charismatic reflecting. “Bands On My Lonely” invokes a ’90s hip-hop nostalgia in its backing female soul vocals and peppy lead. Meanwhile, “Untitled Love” brings us back to the ’60s with its lavish strings and hints of Motown. Amongst the album’s most intense efforts is “FIRE ALIVE,” meshing feelings of loneliness with further perspectives of the temptations of drugs/substances following personal tumult. A strong one-two punch closes it out, with the confident “G SHOCK” inducing replays on its “gotta get it on my own,” displays of personal perseverance following losing oneself. “Sincerely Yours Freestyle” combines smooth saxophone and an intoxicating freestyle to close out the excellent uLove: Rayhan’s Version in wholly satiating form.
