New Jersey rapper James Aris hit my line with his latest, saying that it was a mix of J. Cole and Nas. While I get that–a bit–I’d actually disagree a bit and say he’s more of a mix of Cole and Nipsey Hussle. The rhymesayer flows well over the dreamy production. He’s got bars like a Cole. However, there’s also a bit of a hardness to his flow and delivery that seems to channel the late West Coast legend’s Victory Lap more than he does God’s Son.

That said, the mix between Nip and Cole works well here. He’s humble but hungry, hard but reflective enough to make listeners feel every word he’s saying and take it as fact. Overall, it’s a solid track, one that makes me want more from the Jersey native. Check out “Renaissance” below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.