Ghais Guevara announces debut album ‘Goyard Ibn Said’, shares new single “Camera Shy”

News

30 Oct

Ghais Guevara has officially announced his debut album Goyard Ibn Said, which is set for release on 24 January 2025 via Fat Possum Records. Alongside this exciting news, the Philadelphia-based rapper has also dropped a fresh single, “Camera Shy,” accompanied by a video shot on 16mm film by Rhys Scarabosio, known for his work with Hippo Campus and MJ Lenderman.

Guevara is not your average rapper, he has performed at a diverse range of venues, from huge concert halls to punk rock dive bars and even Marxist bookstores. His work draws on a variety of influences, from Ingmar Bergman’s Persona to Frantz Fanon’s Black Skin, White Mask. These inspirations reflect Ghais’ complex narrative that intertwines radical Black leftist thought with his own experiences of navigating the North Philly streets.

Goyard Ibn Said marks a significant milestone in his career. After releasing two previous mixtapes, this record is considered his official debut album and first project with Fat Possum Records. As Guevara explains, this release represents “the” shift in his style.

Reflecting on the new single, he shared:

“I remember the day I figured out the hook for this beat, I told the voice chat ‘Yo, we got one’. It definitely feels like the stylistic shift for me. As if I earned enough XP to unlock hitmaker status lol.”

“Camera Shy” sits at the heart of the album, working as a key track that sets the tone for the entire record. The video, shot by Scarabosio, captures Ghais’ natural presence on camera, with the director noting:

“Ghais had a natural photographic quality to him you don’t always come by. When light hit him, it wasn’t difficult to find something pleasing.”

Other tracks on the album include “Leprosy,” which previously received praise from multiple outlets, and “4L,” which was written after Ghais experienced some psychedelic adventures. The album also features the collaboration “Bystander Effect,” with production from DJ Haram, a rising name in Underground Rap, and Ghais’ labelmate ELUCID from Armand Hammer. The project wraps up with “You Can Skip This Part,” a track that highlights Ghais’ incisive commentary on race and the music industry, exemplified by the line: “I’m dancin’ for these crackers while I call these niggas ‘crackas’ and I’m dappin up the rappers that’s subservient to crackers.”

The album’s release is set to be a standout moment for Ghais Guevara, whose distinctive voice and thoughtful lyrics position Goyard Ibn Said as an eagerly anticipated debut. Fans can catch Ghais Guevara live on 17 January in his hometown of Philadelphia at Kung Fu Necktie, where he’ll be supporting ELUCID.

With Goyard Ibn Said, Guevara continues to challenge norms and expand his reach in the rap scene. His debut album’s release promises a collection packed with sharp commentary, unique inspirations, and a killer sound that is sure to resonate with listeners.

Save the date for Goyard Ibn Said, and watch the video for “Camera Shy”: