G. Franklin’s “The Calmest” - Riding the Wave of Resilience and Realism

Realness feels rare, but G. Franklin keeps proving that staying true to yourself pays off—not just in music, but in life. He carries a no-nonsense energy that’s as much about growth as it is about craft. For this talent, this vibe isn’t new. Take Queen City Pretty from his 2024 EP C.N.R.—a track drenched in city pride and quiet perseverance. It’s Midwest elegance with grounded swagger, a teaser for what’s coming next. His sound feels like meditation in motion - layered, soulful, steady. And now, with The Calmest dropping October 31st, that same unshakable composure takes center stage.

Fans of Substantial Mind Music know G. Franklin’s catalog always carries weight. Tracks like Borealis Hoodnights, Two-4-Two, and They Admired are built on stories of reflection and hustle. With The Calmest, the energy sharpens—not aggressively, but confidently—like a man who’s weathered storms, found peace in the chaos, and turned that journey into rhythm. After a year away from recording, he channels lived experience into lines that are personal, grounded, and never boastful. His flow is smooth and deliberate, nodding to Biggie’s influence while keeping a Cincinnati twist, where funk and introspection meet.

Listening to Queen City Pretty, you can feel G. Franklin’s style in every line. He paints the city with late-night drives, glowing skylines, and streets you know, all while rapping about growth and keeping your grind steady. His voice floats over the beat with a calm confidence, but you can hear the drive underneath—the push to keep leveling up. Every verse is personal, like flipping through his journal, and the production gives him room to shine without ever feeling overdone. 

That’s what The Calmest represents: self-mastery in motion. It’s about someone who’s faced life’s battles but refuses to let struggle define their path. Even in reflection, G. Franklin’s approach shows that calm can be just as powerful as intensity. The track is meant to give listeners a glimpse into his mindset, a blueprint for endurance and focus.

Thematically, The Calmest feels connected to Queen City Pretty. Both are rooted in confidence and self-awareness, but while Queen City Pretty celebrates the energy of Cincinnati, The Calmest turns inward. It’s G. Franklin versus himself, reclaiming focus after time away, showing that discipline and clarity are forms of strength. His goal is simple - create music that leaves an impression, something listeners can carry with them. 

G. Franklin’s carries that 90s head-nod vibe while staying rooted in modern independent rap realism. East Coast cadence meets northern soul—Alaska’s quiet grit fused with Cincinnati’s drive. Substantial Mind Music reflects the same philosophy - quality over quantity, progress over perfection. 

When The Calmest drops this Halloween, G. Franklin reaffirms his code of resilience, reflection, and rhythm as medicine. It might be called The Calmest, but that calm has a consequence - it’s the collected energy before the next rise, an artist breathing deep before stepping into the next chapter.

Follow G. Franklin on social media for more: https://www.facebook.com/Gfdeuce https://x.com/southsidegf