Goya Gumbani’s music has always invoked this smooth, soulful and introspective tone within his music. Since 2020, and especially that year (with releases such as HGR Presents: A Thousand Months, Truth Be Sold EP with Oliver Palfreyman, Steps Across the Pond EP with Bori and The Lesser-Known with Kiina), he has planted his flag firmly within the music scene as one of the most exciting voices in hip-hop working today. When The Past Bloomed is the name of his new body of work, a 7-track project combining incredibly lush and textured production with Goya Gumbani’s usually introspections and learnings about life around him.

“How Ya Feel?” featuring Lex Amor and produced by Melo-Zed opens the album out with incredibly lush keys and production, creating a warm soundscape for both Lex and Goya to rap effortlessly over the smooth and incredibly poignant beat. “Till Then” produced by Cleto Marez is another excellent track, with the sub-bass, trap hi-hats that add a punchiness to the track, yet the smooth soul sample sounds incredible. It’s a more somber track lyrically, as Goya says “till the pressure leave you messed up” almost nonchalantly, with the melancholy in his voice translating beautifully on record. “Demon Time” featuring John Glacier and produced by Omari Lyseight and PULLEN is another excellent track, with heavy drums, incredible sampling throughout, and both emcees talking about dealing with their own demons and embracing the challenges that come with it. “Cloth & Polish” produced by August Fanon is fantastic, with the jazzy, upbeat energy and slick wordplay from Goya, with some of his best rapping on the project as a whole. “TwentyThird”, produced by droppedmilk is a feel-good track, with uplifting words from Goya, who says we need to seize the moment, taking our time with the process we’re following. “Bye Bye Bye” featuring The Hotel & Lord Apex, and produced by pis.i has this moody beat with more vulnerable and introspective thoughts shared from all emcees. Lastly, “Hardaway” featuring and produced by Pink Siifu has this crackling soul sample that just floats throughout the track – a drumless track but with a stunning yet disorienting sound that gives both Siifu and Goya to speak their shit one last time.

Goya Gumbani’s music just oozes soul. He always bares his heart on instrumentals that are incredibly lush and dense, with his openness and introspection to go with it. When The Past Bloomed is another great project from an artist who is only getting better. Listen to the project below and don’t forget to support!