Skiifall - “Lost Angeles”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Skepta, The Neptunes, Novelist

Emerging Canadian rapper Skiifall has a head-turning tone, unique through a blend of Afrobeat, soul, and jazzy, classic hip-hop styles. Debuting in 2020 with buzzy single “Ting Tun Up”, Skiifall introduced himself as a bridge across the Atlantic, part off-kilter Grime and part hypnotic NYC hip hop. Slowed down. but still subtly intense, Skiifall laid a marker down that continued on his debut EP WOIIYOIE TAPES Vol.1. Bassy trap rhythms power “Lost Angeles”, dream-pop air infiltrating “My Gully”, and the closest thing to a club banger closes the three-song record with “Bagga Yute”. His shapeshifting ways don’t negatively impact Skiifall’s quality control, impressive for a new artist steeped in adventurism while still sounding comfortable in his own skin. Latest single “Break of Dawn” adds tight, graceful jazz accompaniment from the consistently vibing sounds of BADBADNOTGOOD, a perfect fit for the psychedelic-R&B soul in Skiifall’s delivery. (Kevin McStravick)