Harlem-by-way-of-Portland-by-way-of Harlem artist HANiF hadn’t put any music out since prior to his 27-stop Spring tour with Pete Rock and Slum Village. In hip-hop years, 9 months seems like forever and it’s easy to forget that the talented lyricist dropped an EP and a mixtape in the first quarter of last year, and had a video released thru VIBE.

Well the silence has been broken. Dreaming Big captures HANiF at his best, pondering the constant pursuit of money, the pitfalls of social media, commitments to family, and chasing dreams over a beauty of a beat by the talented Fugitive Girl. A must listen for hardcore fans of the veteran artist and a great intro for those unfamiliar. #OutHere #APM

Cover Photo by Jasmin Zayas for LA Weekly