SEATTLE RAPPER RAZ SIMONE is “That N*gga” (oh my!). On the self-actualizing track from his most recent mixtape Trap Spirituals, Simone raps about barbershop pettiness—others spreading rumors and gossiping about him all day out of jealousy. He bluntly explains that, unlike these ain’t-shit niggas, he’s doing exactly what he’s supposed to. Halfway through the track, an uplifting riff brings Simone back to his grounding: “I have the best son on this earth/I’m just thankful that he understands when I work/That God put me on to this earth as a king, and I had to put the people first.”
Regardless of whether he’s singing, rapping, or just talking, Solomon Samuel “Raz” Simone has a seasoned, raspy voice that’s easy to get on board with—if you were to slap his casual speaking voice over an emotive instrumental, the result would probably sound like an effortlessly cool interlude. In reality, Simone makes really soulful rap—A LOT of it. Has anyone else been bumping “Missin Joogs” all summer? The feel-good single reeks of sunshine and chill waterside vibes, and has a different (even romantic) feel from his previous releases, which are typically a bit rougher around the edges. That said, Simone’s anything but typical.
