By Andrew Mason | Oct. 15, 2018 |
Amid the mass of new music released into the hip-hop world this fall, Rae Sremmurd has found a way to remain in the headlines. The younger half of the “Black Beatles”, 23-year-old Swae Lee, announced on Twitter last week that in addition to an upcoming Rae Sremmurd Sremm4 album, a Swae Lee solo EP is coming soon. While fans buzz about Swae Lee’s solo plans, one rapper continues to fly under the radar: Rae Sremmurd’s other member, Slim Jxmmi.
The 27-year-old Slim Jxmmi (also Swae Lee’s older brother) consistently finds himself one of the most underappreciated players in the game. It’s time for that to change.
From a vocals standpoint, Slim Jxmmi is a vital component of Rae Sremmurd. His raspy bars present the perfect disagreement with Swae Lee’s velvety sound. On Swae Lee’s debut solo project, the “Swaecation” portion of the group’s three-part 2018 album titled SR3MM, Slim Jxmmi offers some of the most unique features Rae Sremmurd has ever given. Just as Swae Lee takes the hand of the listener and guides them through a safe and smooth journey, Slim Jxmmi appears to remind everyone to buckle up. That being said, Slim Jxmmi does offer an impressive vocal range of his own. On SR3MM’s “Guatemala”, Slim Jxmmi proves he has a softer, more melodic, side.
Rae Sremmurd fans can also make argument that Slim Jxmmy is a better freestyler. In 2015, the duo appeared on English DJ Tim Westwood’s radio show, throwing down over 20 minutes worth of epic freestyle. While Swae Lee held his own, it was Slim Jxmmy that stole the show.
Despite Slim Jxmmi’s talent, it is understandable why Swae Lee has landed the role of the face of Rae Sremmurd.
Swae Lee typically takes charge in terms of singing the ridiculously catchy hooks on the duo’s most popular hits. Think, “I ain’t got no type/Bad b****es* is the only thing that I like” from SremmLife’s “No Type”. How about, “That girl is a real crowd pleaser” from SremmLife2’s viral hit “Black Beatles”. These are some of the most recognizable lyrics in hip-hop, leading most to associate Rae Sremmurd with just Swae Lee.
Other artists seem to prefer the high-pitched vocals of Swae Lee over his brother, as the former has recently been featured in songs with Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Wiz Khalifa. If that’s not enough, just look at the difference in online presence between the two. Swae Lee’s 4.5 million followers on Instagram towers over Slim Jxmmi’s 1.2 million. Slim Jxmmi doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page.
The two have gotten a feel for the solo direction before, specifically with their perspective sides on the SR3MM album, in “Swaecation” and “Jxmtro”. Luckily for the hip-hop world, it seems as if the brotherhood between the two is ultimately inseparable. But perhaps if Swae Lee does in fact release a solo project here and there, it could inspire his brother to do the same.
If that’s the case, it may just open the door for more love sent Slim Jxmmi’s way.
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