Stream RL Grime’s first solo production of the year, ‘Reims’

by: David Klemow May 4, 2017

With the release of his acclaimed debut album, 2014’s Void, RL Grime incontestably cemented himself at the top of the trap hierarchy. Prior to that, Henry Steinway was already a momentous driving force behind trap music’s meteoric rise to popularity, but the arrival of his introductory record effectively ended any debate on Steinway’s dominion over the genre. It has been quite some time since RL’s last solo release, and trap music still remains firmly under his authority, though as he remerges with a new comeback cut, “Reims,” Grime is shifting in a refreshing new direction, and the execution is absolutely flawless.

Expansive, dark, and cinematic, “Reims” is a charged instrumental piece that ropes in stylistic future bass elements, glitch-hop, garage, and subtle ambient tropes. Showcasing a different, perhaps more matured side of his artistic palate, RL Grime’s newest product since “Waiting” still manages to maintain his unmistakable sound. To accompany the new single, RL’s website has transformed into an accentuating interactive visualizer, adding an additional layer of creativity to the new release. Caught somewhere between a long Boards of Canada binge and lot of time hanging out in the studio with Shlohmo, RL’s latest select is a bold, experimental, and admirable pivot from his usual output.