Ayotemi | ‘Healing’, The ASMR Artist

“A timeless wave.” I couldn’t have said it better myself; the man knows his sound. Ayotemi shut down Rap Fiesta Radio with his heartfelt single “Healing.” This is the work of an artist who truly understands the power of music. The first forms of music were created as a way for people to connect. Music at its core is expression; the story of an artist told through sound, transcending mere words, and becoming a shared experience between the artist and the listener. I’m not simply listening to Ayotemi’s story. I am feeling his pain, and most importantly being made privy to the growth he achieved by overcoming that pain.

“Do you feel me? Do you feel me? What’s on your mind, you can tell me. Don’t fight the vibe to bring healing.”

Ayotemi’s struggle was real. The authenticity literally drips off of every word. It’s natural to bottle up pain. Some do it under the guise of being “a tough guy/girl,” while others have trouble opening up about one’s adversity on a deep, emotional level. Opening up reveals who you are at your core, and with that comes vulnerability. Ayotemi is here to tell you that it’s okay. Shutting down is not strength, it’s avoidance.

“Say you can lean on me. If you ain’t feelin’ strong, you can lean on me.”

Ayotemi wants his listeners to understand that healing entails facing your problems head on, and while you may feel weak or exposed, by opening up you are allowing both yourself to draw strength from others, and for others to empathize with you and learn from your experience.

Listen, Ayotemi’s message is extremely important, but let that not take away from the incredible musical aptitude displayed on “Healing.” The finesse and dexterity Ayotemi displays constructing a song of true lyrical substance and meaning, while also producing such a beautiful sound is astounding. While other artists put words to a beat, Ayotemi’s flow is so complex that it literally seems like the beat is just trying to keep up with his insane delivery. The mix is silky-smooth, and his sandpaper-laced voice can be described as nothing less than straight ear porn.

Ayotemi’s sound is truly timeless. His music has universal relevance and appeal, from present day America to early 1900s campfires. That is what’s so exciting about Ayotemi: the range of projects he can produce is incredible. It goes without saying that rap, trap, R&B, and even reggae are well within his wheelhouse. Picture Ayotemi as Damian Marley on his crossover album with the legendary Nas, Distant Relatives. That is one of my favorite albums of all time, so this is top praise.

Ayotemi said it himself. “Don’t fight the vibe to bring healing.” Join the Ayotemi movement and you will be rewarded with beautiful music and infinite healing.