• Artist: Jermiside
• Track: Afraid
• Feat. Maverick Sabre
• Producer: Danny Diggs
• Album: Middle Classic

Underground emcee Jermiside and his behind-the-boards partner, Danny Diggs, may be nothing to play with, but even the most intrepid rappers and beatsmiths suffer from occasional inner anxieties and doubts. On new single Afraid, the ATL-based Cincinnati representative demonstrates his courage by admitting that there are a number of things that still scare him, from the possibility that he won't live to reach his true potential as an artist to the dangers that face young black males in America. Diggs comes with production to match the emcee's introspective bars, crafting a mellow, meditative bossa nova-informed blend of piano and acoustic guitar. Rising R&B star Maverick Sabre adds to the thoughtful but summery vibe on the guest tip, topping the record off with a hummable hook as well as a silky smooth closing verse. With a track this tuneful and lyrically authentic, Jerm and Diggs have little to fear from Booth reviewers. If you like what you're hearing, you can find plenty more where this came from on the twosome's Middle Classic LP, out now via HiPNOTT Records.