Haviah Mighty - “Smoke” (feat. Clairmont the Second)

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Rapsody, Noname, Tierra Whack

Rapper Haviah Mighty’s 2019 record 13th Floor is a subtle explosion of creativity, both in the Canadian artist’s internalized or energized rhymes and grooved beats. Formally a member of collective The Sorority, Haviah Mighty’s solo debut full-length is an expression of her musical diversity, from reggaeton anthem “Wishy Washy” to quick-spitted, grime-leaning “Smoke”. No matter the base genre, Haviah Mighty’s music is consistently robust and psychedelic, born in dance, jazz, and R&B spaces, thick and booming when necessary and otherwise held back with notable control. She dips between straight rap and more R&B-leaning vocals, sounding at her best when she’s harkening back to throwback indie rap rhymes but updating her sound with confident personality. There’s some futuristic dreaminess here (“You Don’t Love Me”), industrial beats (“Fugazi”) and even some drum-and-bass leans (“Bag Up”) - this is far from a throwback rap record even though Haviah Mighty is clearly studied in her songwriting and flow. (Kevin McStravick)