Grimaldi Banks is finding his voice in real-time. Since he released Second Son back in 2021, the 22-year-old rapper has been prolific, creating work that is as incisive as it is reflective of where he is in life.
Based in Lagos, Grimaldi’s music is an extended reflection on the angst, joy, pain, and frustrations that have shaped his life; blending the lyricism of classic hip-hop with an innate ability to curate experiences aurally. This ability reflected itself in a series of tracks he worked on for a group project titled Collectif Vol. 1. And his debut EP titled Second Son.
Keen to mark out his own voice, Grimaldi began the year with a single titled “Money”, a single released to inspire and motivate fans to remain on their “grind” as they go about their daily hustle. Money is a UK Drill themed track, garnished with a very relatable and groovy hook that leads two well-delivered verses.
On “West Side Driller”, Grimaldibanks embodies the persona of a Lagos City hustler with a straight and direct message stating the hardship he has experienced and how much he is willing to do to see his dreams come true. “Warning Shot” as the name implies sends a straight warning to his “opps also known as haters” to let them know that he is not relenting nor slowing down anytime soon. “Sitting Ducks” dives into the brag rights origins of Rap/Hip-hop music, with the chorus confidently giving accolades to himself while projecting himself to rep “Lagos City”. “Man Dem Rant” conveys the voice of every Rap artiste out there and urges them to take credits for their work. “Bad Man” is a club-Drill sees Grimaldibanks define what having a good time is all about as he asks his audience to “just groove”. The 6 track EP closes with “Money” which is his first single of the year.
Ultimately, You Know The Drill is Grimaldi’s grand exorcism of doubts as it is his confident statement to a world where his raw, honest music packs a punch like few other music coming out today does.