Ghais Guevara

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Jaja Gha'is Robinson (born October 9, 2000), known professionally as Ghais Guevara, Goyard Ibn Said and Jaja00, is an American rapper, record producer and political activist from Philadelphia. Robinson entered the music scene in 2019 under the alias Jaja00. He garnered attention as Ghais Guevara with the release of his album, BlackBolshevik on April 17, 2021. Guevara is known for his bold expression of geopolitical communist ideologies in his lyrics.^[1]

Under the alias Jaja00, Robinson, heavily inspired by the Black Liberation Movement, began to pursue his passion for music as a means of expressing the societal perspectives and concerns of the people after dropping out of college. With a focus on delivering socio-political messages through his art, he sought to resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Robinson released his debut EP Help Me Pay My Rent on April 2, 2019 which featured 4 tracks that were eventually featured on his debut mixtape Failure to Communicate released on September 3, 2019, all of which are presumably now lost except for the lyrics, as well as the promotional demo Opele on October 10, 2019, and released two mixtapes the following year: Black Psychiatric Negligence on March 24, 2020, and Westernophobia on May 13, 2020. These mixtapes marked the beginning of a trend in Robinson's work, incorporating narrative threads that created thematic depth within each album, however despite attempts at advertising and rereleasing the projects they didn't gain much traction.

Under a new alias, Ghais Guevara, Robinson released May Ur Melanin Shield U From Ragnarok on December 15, 2020. It attracted a growing audience, setting the stage for the release of his highly anticipated mixtape, BlackBolshevik on April 17, 2021.

Continuing his momentum, Robinson released the EP Black August Pack on October 8, 2021, further establishing himself as a figure in the underground rap scene. On July 16, 2022, he unveiled his mixtape, There Will be No Super-Slave, which garnered significant mainstream attention,^[2] earning praise from figures such as YouTuber and music critic Anthony Fantano^[3] and other prominent media outlets. There Will be No Super-Slave's title is inspired by George Jackson's book Blood in My Eye.^[4] After receiving criticism on the album, Robinson decided to double down on improving his craft.^[5] On December 27, 2022, Guevara released his second EP, Job's Not Finished Pack.

Taking on another alias, Goyard Ibn Said, Robinson released a mixtape, Goyard Comin': Exordium on June 2, 2023. On July 9, 2023, Goyard Comin': Exordium was released including three additional tracks and Ghais Guevara was featured as an artist on the mixtape's entire track list.

Robinson's music reflects a strong commitment to political activism and ideological expression. Known for his chaotic, confronting, and cathartic style, Guevara explores themes of Black pain, violence, and joy in his music, often intertwining them with geopolitical communist ideologies. In an interview with Vice, he highlighted his unique approach, stating, "there's no other rapper doing geopolitical communist rap."^[1] Guevara's lyrics often address societal issues, with tracks like "Fuck The Nordic Model" and "Mimicry Of The Settlers" critiquing imperialism and colonial powers.^[6]

Robinson's music serves as a platform for expressing simmering anger felt by Black communities and aims to shock and raise awareness among white listeners.^[7][4]

Robinson draws inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences, citing figures such as Jermane Dupri, 50 Cent, Lauryn Hill, Outkast, and Yasiin Bey^[8] as pivotal to his creative development. These artists have left an indelible mark on Guevara's flow and artistic vision, shaping the stylistic and thematic elements of his music.^[5]

Robinson paid tribute to Lauryn Hill's iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill with a track titled "Miseducation of.." on his album May Ur Melanin Shield U From Ragnarok.

Inspired by Outkast's genre-blending style and Andre 3000's lyrical prowess, Robinson has embraced experimentation and eclecticism in his own work.^[9]

Mixtapes

• Failure to Communicate (2019)
• Opele (2019)
• Black Psychiatric Negligence (2020)
• Westernophobia (2020)
• May Ur Melanin Shield U From Ragnarok (2020)
• BlackBolshevik (2021)
• There Will Be No Super-Slave (2022)
• Goyard Comin': Exordium (2023)
• Goyard Comin': Exordium (Deluxe) (2023)

EPs

• Help Me Pay My Rent (2019)
• Black August Pack (2021)
• Job's Not Finished Pack (2022)

• Farewell To Rap Tour (2023)
• Goyard Comin': Europe Tour (2023–2024)