Leaning on his early days as a slam poet, the Harlem, New York-born and raised songwriter and rapper Sharif Hassan wore his authentic heart on his sleeve in his standout 2022 single, Youtruth.
The intuitive percussion constructs fluid rhythm around the contemporary beats that solidify the sonic platform Hassan’s sweetly harmonic bars fall into.
Even though it only runs through for 1:48, the urban poet doesn’t fail to wrap you up in his infectious vibe, which balances optimism with realism. For those chilled summer nights, you couldn’t ask for a better hip hop earworm. If his vocals don’t make you recognise your soul as much as his, you can probably consider it defunct.
Youtruth is now available to stream on Spotify.
Review by Amelia Vandergast