In the ever-changing world of rap, there’s a new artist making their debut every minute, and while most will have passion and many will have talent, it takes something more to stand out from the crowd. An artist who clearly has that special something, St. Laviathan has risen from Miami’s underground scene on his own terms, manning the helm of independent record label Laviamata Records LLC and releasing a stellar debut single.
Titled Saint Is the Victor’, St. Laviathan’s debut first hit the mainstream back in August, marking his first official release under his own banner, and his first true taste of success. Produced by Deezoe and revelling in a dark horrorcore aesthetic, ‘Saint Is the Victor’ is both a stark introduction to St. Laviathan and an eerie statement of intent, offering a unique and uncompromising glimpse into his bold creative world.
Inspired by the golden age of underground rap and legends of the ‘90s like the late Lord Infamous of Three 6 Mafia, ‘Saint Is the Victor’ is a release that combines the style and production of a studio track with the raw power of a freestyle anthem, creating a wild and free hybrid that perfectly illustrates St. Laviathan’s skills behind the mic. Musically, the song opens with a subtle, but calculated stream of beats and digital flourishes that set the stage perfectly. From there, the song makes it stand, ditching the usual pitches and changes in melody in favour of a straight shot of driven beats, putting the spotlight firmly on St. Laviathan’s lyrics and flow.
With shifting focus and relentless drive, St. Laviathan’s time on the mic is simply unforgettable. A quickfire and wonderfully sporadic sound, everything about St. Laviathan’s delivery on ‘Saint Is the Victor’ is designed to show off his wild, almost animalistic abilities, offering quick cuts, sharp imagery, and a relentless flow that will impress even the hardest of critics.
Complete with an experimental edge and lo-fi flair, ‘Saint Is the Victor’ is not just a powerful introduction to the uncompromising musical style of St. Laviathan, but also a bold challenge to any other rapper looking to make their mark in 2020. By ditching the current trend of polished hip-hop designed simply to sell units, St Laviathan has been able to retain his authenticity, while also carving out a path that few artists will dare to follow.
You can stream ‘Saint Is the Victor’ now on all major platforms, including Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and YouTube.
Score: 7.5/10
Connect with St. Laviathan,
