Azizi Gibson's Southside Prod. EP "Grim Meets Evil" Puts a Deadly Spin on Trap, Sends Gibson to the Next Level

Coming fresh off his underappreciated project "preHISTORIC Till Death" that dropped almost two months ago, Azizi Gibson has generously released a four-track EP exclusively produced by Southside entitled "Grim Meets Evil". The EP effortlessly takes what is respected from Azizi's style combined with what is universally known as a Southside beat, fused together to give us some cool new music.

Grim Meets Evil's production is of course very good. As far as EP's go, I believe this is one with the most professional and clean sound so far this year. The production isn't too far away from the quality of any track Southside produced on Future's "DS2", giving "GME" a more demanding sound on a more massive scale. When it comes to the song's individual beats, a good three out of four of them have a banging sound with relaxed undertones emulating the "Trap" sound. The first track "Make You Famous" (my favorite) is prime example of this. It has Southside's signature alarm, punchy kicks and an abundance of 808 style rolling hats that's all backed by a somber piano that is cleverly paced with Azizi Gibson rather than the rest of the elements in the beat. It gives "Make You Famous" banger appeal with some unexplored darkness that Azizi nails with his catchy hook and almost disconnected emotional flow in his verses about making girls famous (through unclear actions). It sets his next song "Boss" up nicely. Like "Make You Famous", it has that Trap influence but "Boss" is more hook heavy with Gibson going deeper into the darkness that lies within this project. His line "Sometimes I think someone's watching me me oh oh/There's just some things I can't believe" reminds me of Geto Boys' "Mind Playing Tricks On Me". There was always a sense fear that came across from that track and that fear is existent and similar on "Boss". That imposed fear is lightened up with Azizi spitting about sex and money and other enjoyable themes in the song. It is definitely one of the best songs on"Grim Meets Evil".

The final half of the EP is when we really begin to get what Azizi Gibson is known for (and what I love about his music). His anime, movie and toy references, and his lines about smoking are all present in his song "Solid". The track switches things up with a repeating Spanish Guitar riff being the focal point of the beat, making "Solid" a different type of banger. The song is about having a great time and that translates into the rather unique sound. Azizi has moments where he explores having fake friends in his verse but he mostly focuses on the solid group of friends he keeps around him. It's a dope ode to the day one's out there and I'm sure many can relate to this track on some level. "Player" (the final track) rolls with the same energy "Solid" has. Azizi's interests are referenced, giving this track personality. The Spanish Guitar is still present but more aggressive and he focuses more on the fakes and the position of where he is now. It's a true flex moment for Azizi Gibson that I think we don't get to see enough. I loved it and feel the bragging is well-deserved. Azizi has been making quality music since the "Backward Books EP" and "Grim Meets Evil" is just another project he can add to his already impressive discography. It's only a matter of time until Azizi Gibson truly blows up. And I can't wait to find out what's next.

Listen to "Grim Meets Evil" below.

Lead Photo Cred: hiphopengine.com