Jafaris, Stride, Album Review


Jafaris
Stride
Album Review


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This debut full-length release from Irish rap artist Jafaris, Stride was an album recommended to me through Spotify, and one that I have been meaning to review for quite some time now.

 My initial thoughts in terms of the up and coming nature of Jafaris himself was one that reminded me a fair bit of the American rap artist Buddy and his masterpiece of a 2018 album Harlan & Alondra.

 And when skipping over the album slightly for the first time, I did indeed get a few inklings of the same kind of aesthetic, both in the mixture of rapping and vocals as well as its soulful production.

 But when delving deeper into Stride, theres a somewhat darker and more thought-provoking piece than what may lie on the surface. It gave me the impression that this album (similarly to another amazing rap album released this month) was one that stands as a very self-reflective record.

 You could clearly tell that the structure of the album and is overall narrative was heavily considered and this is shown with a couple of interludes as well as the two (both amazing) twin tracks; "Brother's Keeper" and "Keeping Brothers".

 The album also had an incredible mixture of old-school aesthetics and more modern elements. It feels very fresh, but also very professional, as if this was the fourth or something album that Jafaris has made. But once again going back to the fact that this is his first ever full-length record, it blew me away that it carried so much depth.

 Stride is yet another album this month that has left me struggling to decide which song is my favourite. There's just so many brilliant tracks, all with their own unique edge. Some great example include the colourful and dynamic "Found My Feet", the quirky, fun and BROCKHAMPTON-esque "Time" and the effortlessly flashy "Invisible" which see's Jafaris display his inner Kanye.

 But my favourite track might just have to be the final one; "Ghost" with its beautiful heartfelt lyrics and spiritual production that really touches the soul.

 Stride by Jafaris is one of countless example as to why March has been the unrivalled best month of music so far in 2019. I really do see a great future ahead for Jafaris and listeners alike if we are to hear more from him in the future.
Thank you for reading

 Booth Boy

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