CantBuyDeem shows more vulnerability w/ release “Tryna Keep It Positive EP”

CantBuyDeem is one of those artists who has become not only an inspiration, but also a pioneer and an anchor within Chicago’s music scene. His music has consistently reflected not only the moments he’s personally navigating, but also the realities we’re facing as a community, as a city, and as a collective. There’s always a level of awareness in his records that encourages listeners to think beyond themselves. Throughout his career, CantBuyDeem has continuously challenged himself, not just through his music, but through the way he shows up for the culture. Whether he’s organizing community events or curating tastemaker experiences, he’s remained intentional about contributing to Chicago’s creative landscape. His recent momentum, including opening for the GZA earlier this year, is another example of that continued growth, and this latest project serves as a snapshot of where he is mentally and creatively at this point in his journey..

The production throughout the project is one of it’s strongest qualities, providing a solid foundation for CantBuyDeem’s storytelling and perspective. If there’s one area we’d like to see elevated on future releases, it’s the mixing and mastering. CantBuyDeem has always excelled at telling his story through lyricism, but we’d love to hear his vocals and harmonies mixed with even greater clarity and definition so they carry the same impact as his bar work. A more refined sonic presentation would only strengthen the emotional weight and replay value of his music. Overall, this is another thoughtful addition to CantBuyDeem’s catalog and a reminder of why his voice continues to matter within Chicago’s music community..

“Tryna Keep It Positive EP” immediately presents itself as a project built around perspective. Even before pressing play, song titles like “Who Cares?”, “Tryna Keep It Positive,” and “The Honeymoon Phase Is Over” suggest an artist balancing optimism with the realities of everyday life. It feels less like an escape from hardship and more like an attempt to navigate it with intention. The EP has the opportunity to make every song count. The sequencing gives the impression of a concise, focused body of work rather than a collection of random singles. There’s a clear sense of identity in the presentation, and that’s something many artists overlook. Instead of trying to do too much, this project appears committed to telling one story from beginning to end. One thing we appreciate is the confidence in the rollout and the visual direction. The artwork communicates warmth, resilience, and clarity, which aligns naturally with the title of the project. That kind of cohesion between the visuals and the concept is always a plus because it gives listeners an idea of the world the artist is trying to create..

The one thing we’d encourage CantBuyDeem to continue doing is pushing the concept even further. When a project carries a title as strong as Tryna Keep It Positive, every element, from the songwriting and performances to the mixing, mastering, and transitions, has an opportunity to reinforce that message. Leaning even more into those details can make future releases feel even more immersive. Overall, Tryna Keep It Positive presents itself as a focused statement rather than an oversized project. It reflects an artist who seems interested in growth, self awareness, and maintaining perspective through life’s highs and lows. If this EP is any indication of the direction CantBuyDeem is headed, there’s a solid foundation to continue building on..

Take a listen and let us know what you think..