If you are a frequent reader of my work, you will know that I am actively trying to tap into the underground scene. With that being said, I recently came across an artist by the name of flamo. The rising artist recently released a new EP titled ‘IGHOST’. The EP opens with the song, ‘PRESSA PUSHA’, a dark rendition of the sound I have come to know from flamo. This dark sound forms the basis of the EP, of which flamo performs atop. There are moments on the EP where flamo pushes himself to enter a different pocket or sound. That can be seen on the South Africa sampled single ,’IGHOST’ – a popular technique amongst the current crop of underground artists.

On the song ‘BRAZY’, flamo’s knack for experimentation shines through with his beat selection. The sampled production gives the EP a different texture in comparison to the dominant sound that is prevalent on the rest of the EP. This experimental production came with an experimental performance to match.

Overall, what impresses me about flamo is his ability to incorporate vernac into his lyrics. That may sound like a surface level compliment but I assure you, it is not. flamo goes far beyond hitting the cut and paste technique of simply using vernac terminology. He also carries flows and cadences one would associate with South Africa when he does incorporate vernac in his lyrics.

Overall, ‘IGHOST’ is an experimental offering that sees flamo extend his artistic palette beyond the horizons of the underground and I can only hope his fan base receives it the same way. Listen to ‘IGHOST’ below.