Live Review: Jerome Farah's new hard-hitting single, 'I Can't Breathe', is a must-listen

29 June 2020 | 10:24 am | Emma Jones

Although Jerome Farah might not be a name you're familiar with, chances are you've heard his work already.

Although Jerome Farah might not be a name you're familiar with, chances are you've heard his work already. He's worked with the likes of Dallas WoodsAdrian EagleKIAN and Baker Boy, and has been in the game for five years. Now, he steps into the spotlight with his own debut single, and is wasting no time making sure he gets your full attention.

Titled 'I Can't Breathe', the timely single takes direct aim at police brutality and systemic racism. Released alongside a striking video directed by Ryan SauerFarah makes sure his first impression is a memorable one indeed with this dynamic song.

Fusing together hip hop, RnB and soul, 'I Can't Breathe' details Farah's own experiences with racism growing up in Australia. The son of a Lebanese father and Zimbabwean mother, he raps about his personal journey of navigating culture and identity and pairs this with a global lens as he looks at the world around him. “My mama placed Zimbabwe blood inside of my DNA, so the history of my pigment’s been written all on my face / So I won’t accommodate to that shit that I can’t relate, like yelling ‘all lives matter’ with privilege in your veins,” he raps in one verse, holding absolutely nothing back in every single bar. The song is also just infectiously good to listen to, from the soulful hook to Farah's exceptional switching up between blistering rapping and soaring singing. He's emotional, deliberate and so engaging throughout the entire song, never once letting up as he seamlessly guides the listener through the song's many different parts.

All proceeds from this song are set to be donated to the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, with Sony Australia (who recently signed Farah) committed to matching the donation. While it's not confirmed if there is more where this came from, there is no denying Farah is already making his mark.

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Words by Emma Jones

Image: Supplied

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