If RAAHiiM's third LP BUT IF iiM HONEST only gave us "Energy," that would be enough for me. The punchy synths and funky bassline carry a "Pony" level of excellence and the falsetto masterclass he puts on is goosebump-inducing. The fact that he gives us so much more is what sets him apart in Toronto's crowded R&B scene, jam-packed with talent as it may be.
He employs many of the hitmaker aspects of 2019 standout single "Peak (Fed Up)" and even finds a way to mould them to surgical perfection across BUT IF iiM HONEST's 11-song run. The stripped instrumental carried by an acoustic guitar riff is taken to new heights on "Fable" and "Outside Freestyle," while earworm melodies stand at the forefront of "Too Good" and "Friend Zone."
Perhaps my favourite part of the album though, is RAAHiiM's willingness to test the limits of his genre by including "1000 Lives," with its bouncy hook and shimmering instrumental reminiscent of a 2010 pop radio hit.
(Also Known Worldwide Records )He employs many of the hitmaker aspects of 2019 standout single "Peak (Fed Up)" and even finds a way to mould them to surgical perfection across BUT IF iiM HONEST's 11-song run. The stripped instrumental carried by an acoustic guitar riff is taken to new heights on "Fable" and "Outside Freestyle," while earworm melodies stand at the forefront of "Too Good" and "Friend Zone."
Perhaps my favourite part of the album though, is RAAHiiM's willingness to test the limits of his genre by including "1000 Lives," with its bouncy hook and shimmering instrumental reminiscent of a 2010 pop radio hit.
