For many music fans, even those familiar with the rap scene, the first time they heard the name Ghais Guevara or the music that he has made was during the transition scene of the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, where a quick snippet of “The Old Guard Is Dead” off of his most recent release “Goyard Ibn Said” was played. It was enough to warrant a response from the artist himself and his record label, Fat Possum Records. Since then, more people have been tuned into this new release.
Guevara’s main style or influences can be characterized as being from the East Coast school of rap, as well as using experimental beats. The through-line of the production on “Goyard Ibn Said” is full of transitions and changes in style. “The Old Guard is Dead” has a grand, orchestral beat that is shadowed by opera vocals. The track that follows, “Leprosy” has a slower, more electronic-based beat that matches the beats of Guevara’s lyrics. Other highlights on the album, production-wise include the electronic-trap beat on “Bystander Effect” and the slow piano-percussion combo on “Critical Acclaim.”
“It’s definitely a trap-based album,” said Cyrus Lariz, an ERHS student and rap listener. “The mixing on the songs are a bit muddy and choppy due to this.”
This project features more classical and orchestral elements than previous releases from Guevara, but it helps show some of the creativity that Guevara has as an artist. He seamlessly weaves the classical elements with more contemporary percussion, creating a lively and complex soundscape.
Another aspect of Guevara’s music is the powerful and charged lyricism they feature, and “Goyard Ibn Said” is no exception. For this project, Guevara focuses on writing about his personal growth and aspirations as an artist and a person. “Introduction to Act 1” sets up the events of the album, or the dialogue at least, to be a theatrical retelling of Guevara’s experience. The first two tracks after the introduction have Guevara reflecting on his success and his ambition for the future, flaunting his artistry and talent. “Introduction to Act 2” introduces the idea of being influenced, or intoxicated even by the ambition of creation. The album then switches to a story about morality and the drive that Guevara has for what he does. The highlights of these more pensive tracks I find to be include “Bystander Effect” and “Critical Acclaim.”
“Loved the album,” adds Lariz, “and if he continues growing this path of trap lyrical-based albums he could carve out his own niche eventually.”
“Goyard Ibn Said” is a great modern rap album, because it is unique in production and lyricism. Guevara will continue to unapologetically create the music that he wants to make, and we can only anticipate what is yet to come.
