LA musician Kahlil Simplis details the obstacles faced in a toxic romance on new project Safehouse, Vol. 1., exploring his past relationships, rooting himself in the present and looking towards his future. Wrapped up in sonics that are pleasingly raw, each offering on the eight-track production forms around a specific situation in his life, drawing from toxicity and turning it into something more uplifting.
Opening with the pulsing beats of title track “Safehouse,” the project move effortlessly from the laid-back feels of “Been Playing,” to the introspection of "Skin," to the confident fierceness of “Nonsense,” showcasing the full expanse of his sleek sound underpinned by intimate messages of different facets of toxic love that are crafted to connect with listeners.
Whether a poignant exploration of self-worth on "Safehouse," which goes "When I was at my lowest/I knew quitting was a sin," or the confidence of "If I Knew Then," which looks back at a relationship in hindsight "Self care and free spirits are ones that I attract/I could never be with someone who's gon' hold me back," Simplis' music is straight from his heart yet infused with relatability.
Whether it’s the frustrations that seep through “Options,” the playful charm of “Making It Easy,” or slower contemplation of final track "If I Knew Then,” Safehouse, Vol. 1, gives us a look at Simplis’ most genuine emotions carried forward by hazy but sharp instrumentals that get us grooving along even as we relate to the deeply thoughtful lyricism.
Simplis who treats music as his sanctuary brings us into his safe space with his versatile, emotive sound, as Safehouse, Vol. 1, provides a perfect snapshot of the carefully refined skills that make for a clear indication that the rapper is one to keep an eye on.
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