MUSIC
Dallas, TX-Based Rapper and Artist Hafto’s Hard Work, Resilience, and Passion for the Art Have Culminated in “Foundations and Myself,” a 24-Track Collection Boasting Old and New Material That Mark a Significant Milestone in His Musical Odyssey
Hafto’s journey in the music industry is one whose bearing has been shaped ever since he was a small kid intrigued by music from some of his favorite artists growing up. What began as just a budding passion for music swiftly morphed into this full-blown obsession that saw him fascinated by the art of music making and instrument playing. He began honing his craft by learning to play the piano and guitar, writing songs, and performing them whenever he had a chance. Influenced by the production virtuosity of Kanye West, the poetic ingenuity of Nas and Kid Cudi, and the infectious pop melodies of The Weeknd, coupled with his own fervor for candid lyrical witticism and wordplay, Hafto has cultivated a unique and distinctive musical style that deserves to be heard.
His new album “Foundations and Myself” contains freshly released and rereleased music. Each track here represents his own growth, not only as a person but also as an artist. This 24-track collection represents Hafto’s musical odyssey that has been marked by constant evolution and discovery.
I’ve delved into the music myself, and I’ve found some exciting masterpieces that I will touch on. But the thing about this project is that it is best enjoyed in its entirety, and then you can go back to some of those tracks that struck a chord with you the most.
With “Walkout,” a listener is bound to revel in its poetry and raw honesty. The performance features a deeply emotional conversational tone as Hafto blends poetry and emotional depth, tugging at the heartstrings of the listener effortlessly. This is the kind of jam that puts you in another mood/headspace, aiding your introspective thoughts.
With “The Soul, Pt.1,” Hafto bears his soul open for the listener. The vulnerability is palpable over the mellow hip-hop beat that provides a captivating backdrop, delightfully complementing his soft-peppered vocal performance.
The dulcet piano tones and percussive beat in “Walk Alone” provide a mellow foundation that Hafto smoothly walks on, talking about the strength of solitude and reminding a listener that a flight from solitude really is an escape from freedom. Long stretches spent in noiseless contemplation have always been one of the secrets of the advanced mind. Ultimately, you’re the only person you’ll be with your entire life. Why not strengthen your relationship with your greatest self? There is some food for thought right there!
“Kaash” is a great showcase of Hafto’s versatility as an artist and performer. Integrating some Bollywood influences right from the get-go, he strikes a chord with the captivating beat, infectious cadence, and some powerful rhymes pertaining to the uncertainties of the future.
Another track that hit me in the feels is “Who’s Free,” where Hafto talks about the price and need for freedom with the opening lines, “until everyone’s free, no one’s free” underscoring the thematic essence of this jam. This track features a nostalgic beat and is a masterclass in underground rap, taking a listener back to the golden age of hip-hop/rap.
There is so much to decipher from this vast collection, and I wish you really understood the magnitude of talent unleashed here. To at least try to, let’s start by streaming “Foundations and Myself” from all the way up!