For the better part of the last decade, rap and hip-hop have become some of the most over-saturated genres in the world. Soundcloud and Spotify are scattered with the sounds of hip-hop hopefuls looking to make their mark, and while most might fail, there will always be a brave, talented few that manage to rise above the masses and redefine the subculture. Throughout 2019 and 2020, we saw Daimo take to the stage with an unstoppable creative output, soaring past one million streams and cashing in on the fame, but now, in 2021, it’s St. Laviathan’s time to shine.
An artist that broke through in the closing days of last year, St. Laviathan hit the ground running with the release of his debut singles ‘Saint Is The Victor’ and ‘Laviamata’, but now, with 2021 getting into full swing, St. Laviathan has taken things to a whole new level with new cut ‘The Sum of All Fears’.
Produced by AB Beats of Oakland, California, the new single is a sharp sequel to last year’s ‘Saint Is the Victor’, carrying forward the personal nature of his music and blending it seamlessly with his no holds barred approach to rap. When approaching the single, St. Laviathan explained that he wanted to really push his abilities, breaking new ground and showcasing the full range of his unique artistry. Inspired by Joe Budden and his timeless album ‘Escape Route’, ‘The Sum of All Fears’ arrives as a platform through which St. Laviathan can vent about internal struggles, reflect of his journey, and tackle the highs, lows, and enduring isolation that has surfaced after gaining his independence.
Introspective, honest, and utterly irresistible, ‘The Sum of All Fears’ hits in waves of brooding atmospherics, rising orchestration, and flickers of reverb, cultivating a dynamic and unstoppable sound that Budden would be proud of. Polished to perfection, St. Laviathan lays down a rapid-fire flow, delivering line after line of sharp, evocative lyrics and setting fire to the track time and time again. While you could argue that the similarities between the new track and Budden’s opening cut are all too evident, including the clever incorporation of Clint Mansell’s ‘Requiem for a Dream’, St. Laviathan has been able to take the mould and reshape it artfully, adding his own flair and making it totally his own.
Arguably his finest work to date, ‘The Sum of all Fears’ is irrefutable proof of St. Laviathan’s talents, showing that he’s more than just another idealistic dreamer, he’s the real deal. You can stream the new single above via Soundcloud, and keep your eyes peeled for the release of his debut EP which is expected to drop in March.
For more on St. Laviathan and his music, make sure you check out our exclusive interview with him where we heard all about his style, influences, and what to expect in 2021.
Score: 9/10
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