By now, many of us are familiar with the name SAINt JHN and what he is currently contributing to the game, but he has been one of my favorite case studies as of late. Most notably recognized for his smash song “Roses” which was released in 2018, remixed in 2019, and blew up in 2020, SAINt still goes down in my book as one of the game’s silent hitmakers that has been patiently waiting his turn. The foundation has been laid and the work has definitely been put in, and I can definitely say that SAINt JHN is an early pick of mine to be one of the best things that the game has ever seen. Premiering right before the years end, SAINt is back with another full-length body of work, While The World Was Burning.
SAINt JHN recruits Future for the remix of his smash single “Roses”
Hailing out of Brookyn, NY, SAINt JHN has been quietly working on himself and his artistry–quickly building up a aesthetic and a vibe that can’t be duplicated nor imitated. While this album is not his debut, it sure feels like this is his debut as the rest of the world is finally catching up to his speed and recognizing his talent levels. Starting off the album and setting the tone with “Sucks To Be You”, SAINt JHN croons over airy snares and lo-fi synths about a previous breakup. “I’d watch the whole world burn to see you dance” he sings–alluding to just how much he was willing to give to this specific person, but letting her know that it’s her loss and not his.
This project is a bit more studded with high profile features which may be alarming to some, but rightfully fitting seeing as SAINt is climbing higher and higher as he ascends into stardom. No feature here goes to wast nor dose it sound out of place. Grabbing from all areas of the rap and R&B world, the project has features rom Lil Uzi Vert, Kehlani, JID, and even a Kanye West feature. On “Ransom” SAINt is accompanied by 6LACK and Kehlani who all come together effortlessly creating the perfect R&B ballad. Of all, “Pray 4 Me” is one of the deeper and reflective songs on the project and SAINt takes the time to reflect on how fame has affected him and how he prays it does not become his downfall. This is also one of the first Kanye West features since he claims to never curse in his music ever again.
Without spoiling too much, SAINt JHN is showing some major star power on this project, and it can be hard to deny just how advanced his ear for true music is. It’s extremely difficult to paint SAINt JHN in a box, and while that is most likely intended, it’s been executed amazingly, and this project is living proof of it. With the title that seems fitting to all of the madness that has been happening in the world, SAINT JHN adds more fuel to the fire as he tells life stories and situations to reflect on the madness that has been happening in his life as well.
Stream SAINt JHN’s latest offering When The World Was Burning below!