Toronto artist Friyie premiered his new EP Never 2 Late in front of a packed house at the Eglinton Grand in Toronto. Here’s a closer look at the project.
Last night, Toronto hip-hop artist Friyie treated family, friends, fans and industry insiders to a private black tie listening party at the Eglinton Grand theatre in Toronto for his new EP Never 2 Late. Part sit down interview, part celebration, the event was an example for artists everywhere on how to do a listening party the right way.
Released today, the seven-track project, his first EP since 2020, features timeless tracks, mostly created two years ago.
The project opens with “Superstitious” where Friyie demonstrates his effortless flow and clean vocals over a laid back and minimalist production. What you notice right off the bat is that this is an artist with substance. Close your eyes and listen to the lyrics and you’ll see Friyie has something to say.
We then move on to “Back On Road” which Friyie recorded just two weeks ago. The track is a guitar-laden Latin meets Drill vibe. The Drill direction continue with the previously released “Sorry Not Sorry”, which was his first Drill record. Friyie gave those in attendance the background story for the track admitting he was in the middle of a $37,000 Cee-lo game when he got the call to come to the studio to hear the beat. Leaving money on the table, he answered the call and three months later the song was born.
But he also shows a different side on the project, getting into his lyrical bag on “Hand In The Rim”, using Vince Carter’s legendary dunk as a metaphor for being in his bag.
He closes the project with “Anniversary” featuring lyrics that almost read like a poem, conveyed with Friyie’s Drake-like tone.
When asked what his favourite songs on the album were he noted the radio-ready “Cinderella” with its slight bounce and “Brainless” which he recorded back in 2018 proving the EP’s title to be true.
Along with the EP, fans can expect an Amazon Music billboard takeover at Dundas Square throughout the weekend, as well as some brand new visuals for “Brainless”. The video was premiered at last night’s event where Friyie saw the final version for the first time.
What is clear about Friyie, is that between EP, listening party, merch bundle, and music video, this is an artist who has a clear vision and attention to detail beyond your average artist. But despite his accolades to-date, including recognition from some of North America’s biggest media platforms, this is an artist who is clearly just getting started.
Never 2 Late is available now on your favourite streaming platform.
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