#187 - Ghais Guevara breaks down 'Goyard Ibn Said' - Album Alchemy

Listen/Watch on: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube

Few artists embody the full spectrum of rap, quite like today’s guest on the show - Ghais Guevara. Through breakout records in Black Bolshevik and There Will Be No Super-Slave, Ghais has made a name for himself with fiercely political lyricism, and a bold left-field sound.

On his latest album Goyard Ibn Said, Ghais expands his scope, incorporating sounds of trap music and drill, flexing his songwriting muscles that leads to legitimate hits as a result, while staying true to his political worldview and creative expression.

In today’s episode, Ghais speaks on how he and other politically-minded rappers are perceived and treated by rap listeners, what inspired the musical direction for Goyard Ibn Said, and expands on the commentary on the pitfalls of the entertainment industry explored within the album, and much more.

Ghais is a rising star in the making, you do not wanna miss this!

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*timestamps provided for YouTube version

The Plug (0:50).

The Interview (2:27).

Ghais’ recent signing to Fat Possum and the initial reception Goyard Ibn Said (3:03).

Ghais’ perspectives on how politically-minded rappers are perceived and treated by rap fans (6:52).

What inspired the musical direction of Goyard Ibn Said (16:12).

The impact of producing the bulk of Goyard Ibn Said with little to no samples (21:45).

The thinking behind the two-act structure of Goyard Ibn Said (25:20).

Key messages Ghais wanted to get across to the listener on Goyard Ibn Said (27:20).

Diving into “Critical Acclaim” and the recent string of events exposing the entertainment industry (29:49).

How Ghais navigates an inherently oppressive industry while maintaining his integrity (36:04).

Ghais’ evolution as a songwriter (38:03).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (42:13).

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Buy/stream Goyard Ibn Said here.

Follow Ghais Guevara on Twitter here.

Follow Ghais Guevara on Instagram here.

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Video animation by: Big Flowers