Namesbliss Finally Delivers His Long-Awaited EP ‘Light Of Mine’ {Review}

Namesbliss has given his constantly growing fan base an early Christmas present with the release of his sophomore E.P, ‘Light Of Mine’, following on from his 2018 release, 'Style and Grace'. Hailing from Enfield, Bliss has independently established a name in the exciting alternative UK scene, aided with thought-provoking lyrics and energetic instrumentals. Bliss’ organically-built popularity and raw authenticity have been awarded by gaining noticeable co-signs, such as Arsenal legend, Ian Wright. The ex-player widened the rappers reach after adding his popular track ‘Strikers’ for an Instagram reel, viewed more than 400k times – a game-changer for him.

In a jungle full of lions, Bliss is currently the one with the loudest roar. The 26-year-old has cemented the innovative sound that he has curated, with the intertwining sounds of garage, drill and grime in a genre he labels as ‘Lively’. Detaching himself from the popular mainstream sounds of today, he continues to break the common mould of the status quo. Bliss’ effortless silky flow and his proficiency to glide on any beat provided place him in a mouth-watering position to advance in his career – versatility that gives him the advantage to surpass some of his peers.

Compiling a 7-track EP whilst simultaneously making each song equally stand out is not a simple task; nonetheless, Bliss’ creativity has allowed them all to shine in their own right. Mainly produced by Vagrant Real Estate and ZCBeats, the EP gives more and then some. So, let’s delve deeper into ‘Light Of Mine’.

From the outset, you’re able to predict the direction of this tape, yet lose yourself in the pumping instrumental. The hard-hitting lyrics gives you an insight into the traumatic reality for many youths of today in Frontline (Intro). The feeling of melancholy at the beginning when the woman says: “you’re dealing with the child that’s gone to prison, the child that was making such good progress in your class,” emphasises how easy it is for anyone to succumb to crime.

The eerie beginning to second track Light Of Mine sets the tone for the whole song, as Bliss perfectly glides on a drill-esque instrumental filled with distinctive 808’s throughout the song. The sublime clarity that he displays allows you to soak in the powerful lyrics that he sprays in style. The dark tone of the track is consistent, “do you know what bro just done, rode out on his ones, a mother’s lost her only son,” highlighting the consequences of the road life, grabbing your attention that’ll have you at the edge of your seat in anticipation to hear what he has to say next.

Paperchase is a continuation of the conscious music that he has offered us, similar to Light of Mine, the addition of 808s, assisted by the prolonged use of hi-hats brings life to the ZCBeats instrumental. Bliss aimed to get things off his chest, giving you a better understanding of his perspective in life as he calmly drifts on the track. Highlighting the risks that many would take to make money, the direct lyrics make you wonder if the dangers that you could face are worth it, as he says, “there’s a new generation and we don’t wanna see them die.” This is a strong track that has clear signs of being deeper than rap.

Guide Me was one of the early releases from the EP, and in the first few seconds, you have the feeling that it’ll be infectious. The feel-good piano-led instrumental brings summer feels into the cold that we’re facing now. Bliss' faith-filled life makes it evident to grasp the influence of the track, giving anyone that listens to the EP that is centred solely around the gritty lyrics and thumping instrumentals, a perfect segway to encourage and give optimism to many. Featuring a smooth verse from Eyez and polished vocals from Darah, the feeling of hope in this garage infused track will instantly put a smile on your face.

On Rubicon Lychee, Bliss reiterates the genre he has pioneered “wavey and conscious equals lively,” a sound that has glittered this whole project. Bliss’ impressive lyricism on the freestyle of sorts keeps you gripped from start to finish. The contrasting sounds he brings together don’t stop here, with grime and jazz, complete opposites, but they work well on the Vagrant Real Estate production. The distinctive addition of the saxophone elegantly closes off the well-produced and performed track.

Bliss raps from his soul on Strikers, seemingly wanting to showcase his lyrical ability whilst using the hurt he feels to leave you stunned. Bliss steps into the drill realm, with a nod to grime. The over-flowing clarity he portrays, at the ferocious pace he flows in, is something to behold. ZCBeats has provided us with another memorable instrumental, as his snare-filled jumpy production excellently compliments Bliss’ lyrics.

The final track of the EP, Story of John, is an emotional track, based on true stories. Bliss’ execution to communicate the story to us is a strong showing of the all-around artistry he brings to the forefront. The anger he addresses regarding the broken state of the education system and the neglect that youths have to face. The atmospheric drill beat produced by Vagrant Real Estate, along with the poignant lyrics, more than proves his capacity to create a tape that has tons of substance spread all over. Story of John is a well-thought-out poetic way to close the masterpiece created. The North-London resident should be addressed as one of the best rappers from there right now, bringing to us a body of work that’ll leave you with raised eyebrows and amazement from start to finish.

Throughout the EP, Bliss’ impeccable skill to allow his sounds to differentiate in every track is superb, and the ‘voice for the youth’ title that he has donned for this is a suitable fit for the rappers strong feelings towards encouraging the youth to take the right path. Sticking true to himself and not penning down the boastful lyrics that most modern rappers do, Bliss delivers us brutal honesty, together with a mixture of cadences that rejuvenates each song.

Bliss' upwards trajectory has given him the opportunity to headline his own show on December 3rd at Peckham audio – a blissful way to end his groundbreaking year.

Listen to his 'Light Of Mine' EP here.