Glasgow-based rapper faustdoesntexist is making a name for himself with a fresh blend of Scottish rap and jazz-infused grime beats. His latest single, 90 Days, released on February 21, 2025, is a deeply personal and lyrically intricate tribute to a friend’s recovery journey. In a genre often dominated by bravado and excess, 90 Days stands out for its raw authenticity, highlighting faustdoesntexist’s commitment to storytelling, internal rhyme schemes, and the essence of rap at its core.
At its heart, 90 Days is a song about triumph over struggle. The title and theme reference the 90-day sobriety chip—a milestone in addiction recovery that represents perseverance and commitment to change. Rather than just being a song about personal reflection, it serves as a message of support for his friend and anyone on a similar path.
Lyrically, faustdoesntexist is meticulous, layering pop culture references and double meanings throughout the track. His emphasis on wordplay and internal rhyme schemes adds depth to the song, setting it apart from the more surface-level lyricism that dominates much of mainstream rap today. It’s clear he values lyricism as an art form, rewarding attentive listeners who catch the nuances in his writing.
Musically, 90 Days is a fusion of jazz grime and UK hip-hop, a combination that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The smooth, jazzy instrumentation softens the harder edges of grime, creating a sound that bridges different elements of UK rap culture. This blend gives the track a unique identity, bringing together multiple influences while still feeling distinctly Scottish.
One of the standout aspects of the song is faustdoesntexist’s vocal delivery. Scottish rap is still relatively underrepresented in the mainstream, and hearing a Scottish accent glide over jazz-infused grime production is refreshing. There’s a sense of rhythm and fluidity in his flow that keeps the track engaging, with an effortless balance between technical precision and emotional sincerity.
90 Days was recorded at d.note studios in Glasgow, with producer daveyoh and engineer Ryan playing key roles in shaping the final sound. The recording process itself reflects faustdoesntexist’s old-school approach to rap. Instead of relying on “punch-in” recording techniques, where verses are recorded in small sections, he opts for long, continuous takes—a method that not only challenges his performance ability but also captures the natural energy of his delivery.
This approach not only saves time and money but also emphasizes the authenticity of his music. By ensuring every line is rehearsed to perfection before stepping into the studio, he brings back an element of rap’s essence that many feel has been lost in today’s digital-heavy production process.
Faustdoesntexist has already begun making waves in the live scene, most notably opening for legendary hip-hop duo Mobb Deep in Glasgow—a huge milestone for an emerging artist. Looking ahead, he is set to headline his first self-funded event at SWG3 on March 30th, an opportunity for fans to experience his music in a raw and unfiltered setting.
Beyond 90 Days, he has two projects and multiple singles lined up for the year, suggesting that this release is just the beginning of an ambitious creative run.
In an era where rap is often criticized for prioritizing style over substance, 90 Days is a refreshing reminder of the power of authenticity. The song’s deeply personal message, combined with its intricate wordplay and jazz-infused grime production, makes it one of the standout independent releases of 2025.
For fans of lyric-driven UK hip-hop, faustdoesntexist is an artist to watch. His ability to craft meaningful narratives while pushing the boundaries of sound makes him a unique voice in the scene. With 90 Days, he not only pays tribute to a friend’s journey but also solidifies his own place as a rising force in the UK rap landscape.
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