Why redveil’s “learn 2 swim” Is Our Album of The Year

This year, I particularly struggled to find music that stuck with me for a significant amount of time, as many of the albums I originally heard and enjoyed, weren’t showcasing much longevity or replay-ability as the year came closer to it’s end. Now that we’ve reached the end of 2022, I can confidently share that redveil’s “learn 2 swim” is my favourite body of work released this year, and is Southport’s album of the year.

Producer-rappers are often hit or miss for me, as some stick to their guns a little too much to bare through more than a few tracks with, and many would often benefit from branching out into other production camps. However, redveil is quite the opposite. He plays to his strengths in the best ways possible, mixing a soulful and colourful style of sampling, with a new style of melodic rap. He is also an incredibly talented writer, and has a super strong lyrical presence for being only 18 years of age.

Each track is memorable and has it’s own flair, but yet stays familiar enough to each other that the project never feels in-cohesive. The features never feel out of place either, as each artist that joins redveil on these tracks feel as though they’re entering his universe he’s created sonically, and they all perform quite well. Fly Anakin is an artist that I had thought would work well with this type of production, so I was incredibly excited to see him have an appearance on “automatic” with redveil & ovrkast (who is great as well). The “pg baby” remix that came out more recently features Denzel Curry, who’s album “Melt My Eyez, See Your Future” has gained lots of praise this year, and is often at the top of most AOTY lists. They have great chemistry on the track, and it was great to see redveil work with an artist with a large fanbase like Denzel. His consistent ability of self awareness is truly what made this album so successful to me, as redveil continue to proves he understands who he works well with, but he also isn’t afraid to experiment and push boundaries musically.

I haven’t been excited for an album in a long time like how I was when “learn 2 swim” released earlier this year, and it has yet to leave my rotation. Southport is thrilled to see where redveil goes next, and we wish all the best for him and his team.

Favourite Track: “home”

written by Hunter Petch