July is an independent artist British artist based in London. His early exposure to a variety of sounds and cultures has self-admittedly influenced his artistic process. He has been releasing music since 2017 and his latest 6 track EP titled “Trip” is a chill track by producer MLB!
The short track heavily relies on environment and an ambience setting to convey its creative vision. The production can be placed within the genre of cloud rap with modern day computer graphic effects playing a prominent role in the sonic palette. The electronic percussion is heavy standing in juxtaposition only to the lightness offered by the keys. Despite the clappy percussion and intricate production the track emanates a feeling of lightness!
July gives an impressive echoed-out vocal performance filled with references to mumble rap. I personally really enjoyed the bass layering performed on the vocals. The strength of the track in my opinion lies in the way it plays with pauses. Despite being short, it switches pace consistently in order to keep things moving and even incorporates a beat switch towards the end! These liberal pauses along with slowing down whenever necessary keeps a listener engaged.
The songwriting is a reminder not to trip despite all the intense feelings that might come your way. The penmanship does not take itself too seriously with lines like “Haters gonna Hate” asking its listeners to not care about external judgement. This adds to the overall lightness of the song.
If you are looking for hip-hop that is ambience heavy, make sure to check out “Trip” by July here:
