Today, Harlem rapper Liim shares the release date and title of his second studio album, A Sunflower Garden In Harlem Is Hard To Find, out August 28. In addition, he's sharing a new song: "1980" featuring AJRadico.
The album announcement follows a trail of consistent heaters like "Is Loving Really Bad?," released in June, and “R.I P. Peace,” out in May; both tracks offer playful verses over slippery grooves and snappy percussion.
This new single, "1980" is distinct, featuring a nostalgic beat and a throwback vocal delivery akin to Run-D.M.C. Liim attributes the song's inspiration to the films Paid in Full and the Tupac Shakur-led Juice. "Paid In Full and Juice are just two movies that are where I'm from," says Liim, referencing his hometown of Harlem. "I grew up in almost every scene, and I think what those movies do for me is they spike memories." Liim hands off his punchy bars to Queens rapper AJRadico, who lays down his viscous bars over warm piano chords.
The song is paired with a cinematic, grainily shot video that mirrors those two film's themes, but as seen through a dreamy vision, with the occasional cartoon pop-up added for extra panache.
Stay tuned with The FADER for all news regarding Liim's forthcoming album, and listen to "1980" below.
Dylan DeJong-Dougherty.
