Razor – Skr8 Like Dhat (Single Review)

Suave Miami-based rapper Razor is on fine form on his brand new single ‘Skr8 Like Dhat’, a fiery no-nonsense hip-hop bop featuring fellow rapper Young Breed. With both the artists’ no-holds-barred rapping style and Razor’s pristine production and songwriting skills, fans will not want to miss out on ‘Skr8 Like Dhat’.

It’s a busy year for industry juggernaut Razor, who in late 2023 released the singles ‘Music & Moscato’, ‘Flakey’ and ‘Do Me’ ahead of his second full album ‘4 The Love II – Rose Petals and Bullets’, which is due to be released this year. ‘Skr8 Like Dhat’ feeds off of this cool star persona that Razor has been able to cultivate through his earlier trap/soul efforts. Along with a swaggering sense of self-confidence and self-assuredness in his abilities, the singer allows his natural flow to mix seamlessly with his smooth vocal tone.

The song opens with an atmospheric string sample, which is repeated throughout the song alongside a booming bass beat. There is a stylistic sense of the gentle and serene colliding with the gritty and the powerful here, just like Razor’s demonstration of his talent to combine dynamic rap verses with a chill R&B-inspired croon. Through this listeners may be able to hark back to previous single ‘Music & Moscato’, where audiences were entranced by the song’s dreamy ambience. Of course, the intriguing effect of this would never be achieved without Razor’s distinctive hand as producer, ensuring that listeners are supplied tracks as high quality as they are addictive.

In ‘Skr8 Like Dhat’ however, Razor gets off to a rousing start, spitting bars with a practiced elegance and ease. The lyrics of the chorus are also undeniably chantable (“All black hoodie, black jeans…”), a factor that is boosted by Razor’s characteristically energetic and soulful delivery. The singer’s savage edge to this rap really helps the song to reflect the singer’s multifaceted identity in the scene of modern hip-hop.

Razor is soon joined by guest star Young Breed, whose instantly charismatic rapping style helps elevate the track to new heights. Together Razor and Young Breed prove that they are unstoppable by throwing out disses and bars at a thrillingly rapid rate. As Young Breed effortlessly bounces atop the hard-hitting trap beat, the rapper exudes pride in both his and Razor’s hard work and energy to get to the top (“Said did this s*** on my own”) and their resilience to keep going in tough times. There’s no way that listeners will not be nodding their heads and getting completely invested in the flow and rhythm of the song by this point, as both skilled rappers’ formidable verses are masterclasses in what makes modern hip-hop so exciting.

Despite Young Breed’s verse being of a notable length, allowing the rapper to showcase his ruggedly profound vocal delivery, it doesn’t overshadow Razor’s dynamically unique performance throughout the song, and instead emphasises the punchy savagery of the track. With both artists’ voices and deliveries working in harmony together, listeners are treated to vocal performances that are mesmerisingly passionate and driving.

Even as Young Breed’s part is drawn to a close, there is no respite from ‘Skr8 Like Dhat’s powerful and compelling force, as listeners are again entertained by Razor’s catchy and slick chorus. The structure of the track also allows the rappers to highlight their talents in a mode that runs smoothly and uninterrupted. Again, this can be attributed to Razor’s long period working as a producer and honing his craft through scoring for the movies ‘Percentage’ (2014) and ‘House of Bodies’ (2013). It is from experience like this then, that Razor can naturally deliver a track that sounds polished and is stamped with the singer’s recognisable and stylish seal of professionalism. As the final eerie notes of the strings fade into silence, ‘Skr8 Like Dhat’ is given the memorable and atmospheric ending that it deserved.

Score/Excellent: Razor’s new single carries on the artist’s trend of releasing bop after bop of unbridled hip-hop/R&B genius. This is an artist who knows what the people want to hear in a new rap track; attitude, confidence, and effortless flow. The fiery ‘Skr8 Like Dhat’ goes beyond even that with its amazing integration of guest star Young Breed, and leaves listeners drooling for more.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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