Jaymes Crux, Born to Die | Track Review 🎵

Seattle musician Conner Bloyd – aka Jaymes Crux – makes an enjoyable, respectable bow as a rapper on chill single “Born to Die.”

Seattle, Washington is in the house! That’s where self-produced, up-and-coming hip-hop artist Conner Bloyd, aka Banamak Jaymes Crux hails from.  The 25-year old musician brings a distinct sound to the rap game, including using voices as instrumental elements, and vocal chopping. “Born to Die” serves as his first single, which he describes as “an introspective track about appreciating life’s fleeting moments of pure happiness.” That definitely sounds like some good, chill vibes!  Crux gets an assist by LøveJøy, a band that hails from Portland, Oregon.

“Born to Die” opens with chill, laid-back production work, led by electric piano.  From the start, the tone is set, and that tone is pleasant and thoughtful.  Jaymes Crux adds additional sounds that makes the backdrop more ornate, but he never overstuffs or overproduces.  This serves as a savvy backdrop for his rhymes.  He has an easygoing flow, nothing oversimplified or overcomplicated, that matches the relaxed sound established by the production. Jonah Poole (LøveJøy) follows up Banamak’s rhymes with tasty, warm vocals. Again, the vibes can’t be overemphasized. Crux ‘ups the ante’ on the second verse, adding quicker, more confident rhymes.

The accompanying music video complements the music, the vocals, and not to overuse the word, but the vibe.  Henry Chastain does a fine job of shooting and directing.  Like the song itself, there’s nothing that overcomplicated or overthought, yet it’s not oversimplified either.  Listening to the song without the video, this is sort the scene I envision.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Born to Die” is a great start for Jaymes Crux as a rapper.  While he doesn’t spit anything game changing or necessarily transcendent, he has a pleasant flow and assembles some rock-solid bars.  His production work is a perfect fit – as it should be – which further accentuates this performance.  Another accentuation – Jonah Poole – who has a gorgeous voice, particularly following Crux’s second verse.  Again, Henry Chastain deserves kudos for perfectly matching music video to the song serving as the soundtrack.

Jaymes Crux • Born to Die (Ft. LøveJøy) – Single • Release: 5.4.17

Photo Credits: Jaymes Crux