B-Side Guys

Sometimes truth hits hardest before noon. Rayhan’s “HIGH NOON” EP, crafted during a series of pre-meridian smoke sessions, emerges as a raw chronicle of identity and displacement. Released October 21, 2024, these fifteen minutes capture the perspective of an artist straddling multiple worlds – Scarborough streets and Hollywood sets, skateparks and theater stages.

“FOREVER SOLID INTRO” sets the tone immediately, establishing Rayhan’s presence as both insider and outsider. His flow demonstrates the confidence of someone who’s spent years perfecting their craft, while his lyrics reveal the vulnerability of an artist navigating unfamiliar territories.

“Evil Strings, Pure Heart” stands as the EP’s centerpiece, its creation story mirroring its content. Born from freehand writing on Toronto roads and refined through international collaboration, the track showcases producer jyudeh’s earth-shattering drums and diabolical strings. The result feels both deeply personal and universally accessible.

“Good Looking Rapper” injects humor into introspection, while “HIGH NOON CRAY” lives up to its title with the kind of energy that can only come from morning sessions and unfiltered honesty. The production throughout reflects Rayhan’s global connections, with beats crafted everywhere from Montreal to Melbourne, Guatemala to London.

“Universe of Love” demonstrates Rayhan’s range, revealing influences that extend beyond traditional hip-hop into emo and alt-pop territories. This genre-blending reflects his artistic versatility, echoing his work across multiple creative fields.

The collection closes with “FLY LIL RAY OUTRO,” bringing the journey full circle while pointing toward future horizons. It’s a fitting end to an EP that feels less like a bid for stardom and more like a necessary act of self-expression.

What sets “HIGH NOON” apart is its unvarnished authenticity. While many artists might obscure the tensions between their different worlds, Rayhan examines them directly. His experiences as an actor (appearing in productions like “BlackBerry” and “Workin’ Moms”) inform rather than overshadow his music, providing another lens through which to view questions of identity and belonging.

The production throughout maintains a perfect balance between polish and rawness. Each producer brings their distinct flavor while serving Rayhan’s vision, creating a sound that’s both cohesive and varied. The international roster of collaborators adds depth without diluting the EP’s essential Toronto character.

For fans of hip-hop that values honesty over hype, “HIGH NOON” is essential listening. Whether he’s writing bars or scripts, landing kickflips or screen roles, Rayhan brings the same dedication to craft and authenticity. This EP serves as both personal document and artistic statement, proving that sometimes the most universal stories come from the most specific experiences.

As Rayhan continues work on his next projects – “UntitledLove,” “UntitledDope,” and an alternative/emo collaboration – “HIGH NOON” stands as a compelling snapshot of an artist in transition. It’s a reminder that identity isn’t fixed but fluid, that authenticity often means embracing contradictions rather than resolving them.