Khalil Nasim released this latest single in the middle of last month, a few days before I saw him perform in Raleigh at the Neptunes Parlour. I believe the artist who is credited as a feature on streaming platforms, Buddy Minelli, is the one who produced the song. Based on a conversation I had with Khalil, I’m assuming this song is just gonna remain a standalone single. He’s gonna be putting out an album in the near future, but this track’s gonna live on its own.

Lemme just get one thing outta the way; this is my favorite Khalil Nasim song that I’ve heard. Everything about this track just works for me. It’s a very jazzy, honestly cinematic song. It sounds very Chicago-esque to me too. It definitely gives me Ghetto Sage vibes. I also could see an artist like Sylvan LaCue making something that sounds a bit like this. I do wanna reiterate what I said about this song feeling cinematic. It’s the perfect backdrop for Khalil’s storytelling and highly introspective lyricism. I’ve always enjoyed Khalil Nasim’s writing, but this song in particular is extra special to me lyrically. He digs super deep and gets incredibly personal about very close, important relationships he’s had in life. It’s honestly a very touching song.

My granny spent her last to buy a Casio at Christmas
In 2011, only thing was on my wishlist
I ripped open the present, in the present now I’m gifted
Because your sacrifice was to suffice for when I didn’t
Have a pot to piss, you made a bowl for vested interests
At best I feel control when I hear hums of you 'round christmas
Voicebox strong as an ox, what was I missing?
Belly full, head covered
Still felt the slice of life’s blade on my jugular vein
Me and my trauma we one in the same
Hurt in my heart, who in life was to blame?
When it was deaths subtle sting that had rumbled my brain
I can’t contain the love I feel when I’m singing my song to you and hearing it back
Never fearing attack, acceptance from peers in the back
I been living my dream, strictly adhere to the plan
Practice the craft of my hand diligently
As I lay to rest, memories crush my dreams into pieces
I sleep puzzled, but put it together so vividly
My partner ease me into sleep and my troubles diminished
Sweet scars from the cuts of your love I hope I never heal

I don’t wanna spoil too many of the lyrics for those of you who haven’t listened yet, but this is honestly one of those songs where every single line is essential. There are zero filler bars on this song. I already said this is my favorite Khalil Nasim song, but I honestly might take it further and name this as my favorite song so far from any of the Deviants period, which is saying a lot. This song feels pretty different from basically all the stuff I’ve heard from them though. I love the super jazzy somber production from Buddy Minelli, as well as the additional background vocals from ANÜ. Literally everything about this song just came together perfectly for me. This is right up my alley. The most important factor is the writing to me. That’s really what makes this one special. Another rapper could’ve rapped on this beat. Another rapper couldn’t have rapped THIS on this beat. This is Khalil Nasim’s story and heart laid out for the listener. I know this isn’t for a project, but I honestly would love a whole album of this style. I’m really excited for whatever comes out next though because the unreleased stuff he performed at the aforementioned Locals Only! show at the Neptunes Parlour sounded pretty excellent. Yeah, I’m ready for more. This song is amazing. Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments. ✌🏽