Scarborough, ON-based rapper, actor, and comedian Rayhan succeeds on his new EP HIGH NOON. The release melds riveting hip-hop emotion with atmospheric pop appeal. Written and recorded in just three weeks, the project reflects Rayhan’s love for Western films and early-morning creativity. Personal themes captivate alongside, via reflections on personal identity, the lure of addictions, and the disconnection involved within navigating various social and artistic spaces.
Opening the release, “FOREVER SOLID INTRO” struts a spacey, synth-laden charm. The vocals alternate between contemplation and confident ardency, yearning for “a new bitch every weekend,” prior to more introspective urgings that emphasize life’s most meaningful, lingering moments. Lush synth tones emanate alongside, creating a dreamy yet determined soundscape. With the subsequent “Evil Strings, Pure Heart,” vintage guitar tones pair with invigorating, sporadic vocals — crafting a track that brims with both vocal charisma and impressive atmospheric entrancement.
The tone shifts in satiating form with “Good Looking Rapper,” a track that channels nostalgic hip-hop vibes with piano-laden chills. Lyrics like “deeper than the sea floor,” exude self-assurance, as Rayhan weaves confidence into every bar. It’s a laid-back, reflective anthem, proving his ability to blend swagger with thought-provoking pondering seamlessly. Elsewhere, “HIGH NOON CRAY,” stands out as a darkly cinematic centerpiece. Rayhan’s playful yet foreboding hook — “I’m not like those Ned Flanders motherfuckers,” — sits against a backdrop of orchestral eeriness. It’s a track where swagger meets suspense, delivering one of the most memorable moments on the EP.
Closing out the EP is a triumphant outro that combines soulful vocal samples with a vibrant vocal push. The final moments feel like an exhale—a release of tension and a celebration of triumph, particularly with declarations like “So Ima ball til I fall and I’ll land where I land.” With HIGH NOON, Rayhan has crafted a sonic duel that balances vulnerability and bravado.
