Iman Nunez - “LET’S TALK ABOUT IT” (feat. J. Soulja)

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Joey Bada$$, Mick Jenkins, J.I.D

Jazzy and in a tight pocket, Iman Nunez recalls classic NYC rap, but adds some modern haze across his infectious and cool catalog. Already with a couple of full-lengths to his name, Nunez is pointing forward with PHASES Vol. 1, a collaborative EP that balances hungry intensity and smoky, chilled atmosphere. Influenced by both indie and mainstream rap, Nunez’s tone is confident but not in your face, clear and complex while making it sound easy. That skill comes from a freestyle background, though there’s maturity in how relatively pared back Nunez sounds across the four tracks on PHASES. Iman Nunez is already promising a new record Rosedale due sometime in 2022, so expect new tracks to highlight his debut SXSW set this year. (Kevin McStravick)