SahBabii's New Beat
Lead image — Full look by Dries Van Notten, necklace and bracelet by Martine Ali, sunglasses by Gentle Monster
In his earlier work, like “Pull Up Wit Ah Stick” or “Outstanding,” you find a less somber note. But with his upcoming project, Do it For Demon, poetic verse sits pretty in his brother, T3's, crafted cocoon of beats. He raps in detail about the hardship faced growing up in Southwest Atlanta. On this album, SahBabii steps into an emotionally unguarded territory, with Demon Child, and the rest of his family, being the driving force behind it all.
Left — Shoes and belt by Telfar, pants by Noon Goons, jacket by Ferragamo, necklace by Martine Ali, sunglasses by Gentle Monster; Right — Shoes by Dries Van Notten, shorts by Untitled Collective, tank top and jacket by Adolescents, sunglasses by Gentle Monster x Marine Serre
"My family are smart thinkers, we're open-minded people." This sentiment rings true, as the artist is known for working with his father, brother, cousins, and family-like group of friends. They seem to push SahBabii for the stars while simultaneously grounding him. "You go through stuff [as a family], and I'm the one that talks about what's going on while also trying to be diverse and versatile with all art mediums."
Jabari, basically a brother of SahBabii’s at this point, jumps in, giving his perception of what Demon Child was about. Through these conversations, we gain more perspective on whom SahBabii has molded into today. "We'd make money however we did, and he'd put it up for a studio; he always was workin' on songs or a tape," SahBabii says, explaining his first group, 1095. Staying with his uncle on Sylvan Rd when his family moved from Chicago to Atlanta, the rapper reiterates Jabari's words on his cousin always being the guy to be creating some sort of sound. As the men grew up and out of 1095, they aimed to expand their vision.
To make this new record, SahBabii let go of the microphone he used to record vocals for the last ten years—new equipment for a man trying to create new space to prosper. Creating out of his condo, SahBabii and his southern drawl elucidate the fact he gets in a zone. Though big on family and his people, it's just him when he goes to record.
An avid anime enthusiast, he takes on the leading character role when he makes his art. Fighting his past endeavors and regulating the setup for the future, his studio was built up from the ground up by T3 and him. He preferred his own familiar space to make the 20 or so tracks on Do It for Demon.
Though the album may shy away from more lackadaisical lyrics, the cartoon enthusiast Sah can still be found in the severe nature of Do It for Demon. "I always mention cartoons, or old shows, to get that nostalgic vibe," he says. A Pisces, he manages to reference shows like Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends in his masterpiece. "I like to remind people of their memories; people love to feel that."
Left — Shoes by Nike, pants by Ferragamo, sweater by Lemaire, jacket by Ferragamo, necklace by Martine Ali; Right — Shoes by Dries Van Notten, shirt and shorts by Adolescents, jacket by Maison Margiela, watch model's own
Keeping that elegant signature of his, SahBabii continues. "I'm pushing, man. I'm just really pushing positivity. Do what you need to do for your family."
The wisdom continues. "Stay doin' what you need to do, don't mistreat nobody. It'll come tenfold like that."
