Raury - Devil’s Whisper

Where 2014’s ‘God’s Whisper’ – a standout track from Raury’s ‘Indigo Child’ debut mixtape - took to the heavens, its evil counterpart ‘Devil’s Whisper’ plunges into the depths of hell. It’s a retort straight from the Devil’s mouth as Raury enlists help from a darker source.

The components of ‘Devil’s Whisper’ are largely the same as those featured on its more righteous counterpart; the simple acoustic guitar backed by gospel choruses, and primal chanting throughout. It’s a testament (bible pun unintended) to Raury’s ability to bend every crevasse of his musical know-how to his will, because ‘Devil’s Whisper’ - despite sharing the same foundations - is a completely different beast. ‘God’s Whisper’ was uplifting and empowering, but ‘Devil’s Whisper’ takes that power and turns it on its head, using clever, visual lyricism and thunderous foreboding beats. Underpinned by additional ominous synth lines, the snarled lyrics and repeated chorus’ of ‘you better run from the devil’ fills Raury’s previous declaration - ‘saviour’ - with doubt.

As tension builds to a head, Raury unleashes his most powerful weapon, a short but venomous rap; challenging and embodying God at the same time, with boasts of punishment and potential. The unpredictability of Raury’s music is his most striking weapon. ‘Devil’s Whisper’ is unsettling insight in the psyche of Raury’s dark side, and yet another impressive layer to his unpredictable, diverse artistry.