Discipline—it’s a simple, almost unassuming word, yet it holds the key to the kind of focus that truly separates the dreamers from the doers. For many, that daily grind, that silent struggle to stay the course when the world conspires to throw you off, is the hardest part of the journey. But for those who master it, for those who manage to keep their head when the storm rages, they find “The Calmest.” That’s the feeling and the philosophy driving G. Franklin, the Cincinnati-based, Alaska-born artist known for his unflinching honesty and polished lyricism, as he prepares to drop his much anticipated new single, “The Calmest,” on October 31st, just in time to light up the tail end of the year. It’s a statement from a man who found his rhythm again in the midst of personal chaos, using the beat as his blueprint for motivation.
G. Franklin’s roots in music run deep, beginning in the Baptist church where he grew up, surrounded by the faithful sounds of his family—his father on the piano and bongos, his great-grandma on the keys, and his auntie as a choir director. That early exposure to melody and rhythm provided the foundation, but it was a chance encounter with the iconic Snoop Dogg video for “What’s My Name” on MTV that truly set his course. From that day on, he was hooked, drawing influence from the foundational storytelling of 2Pac, the impeccable flow of The Notorious B.I.G., and the funky rhythms of classic R&B.
This blend of gospel, funk, and Golden Era hip-hop is what gives the Substantial Mind Music brand its distinct, heartfelt resonance. It’s a sound that has already cemented his place in the game, most notably with the track “Borealis Hoodnights,” a fan favorite that has racked up over 60,000 streams on Spotify alone and introduced many to his unique perspective, with its themes of ambition, community, and the ever-present hustle.
Now, after a year-long hiatus from writing and recording—a tough, self-imposed break that left him feeling adrift—G. Franklin is returning with a clarity and lyrical prowess that feels earned. “The Calmest” emerged from this period of self-reflection and struggle. The simple inspiration for the track was life itself, a relentless muse that forced him to self-motivate and get his lyrical repetitions in, even when distractions were heavy and his personal life demanded attention. He followed the timeless advice of the greats, infusing his life directly into his writing, transforming struggle into substance. The result is a single that cuts straight to the core of his unwavering confidence. The first verse of “The Calmest” is pure G. Franklin – a seamless blend of braggadocio and grounded wisdom, with lines that effortlessly flow, describing himself as the “coolest nigga.” He speaks to the importance of being disciplined, focused on the mission, even when “distractions they was happening.“
G. Franklin has seen a lot, and it shows in his music. You can feel that in the way his songs carry a strong sense of place and personal history. But he’s not just reflecting on where he’s from—his music mixes real-life street smarts with practical advice, the kind of perspective that makes you think while you vibe. His EPs, like Think&grow and 11:11, show an artist who’s always learning, always pushing, always chasing something bigger. With The Calmest, he’s hoping listeners find something to hold onto, a voice that feels familiar, someone who gets it. For him, making music is who he is, and he wants it to speak to anyone trying to figure life out.
“The Calmest” is simply the first taste of this rejuvenated musical spirit, with another single, “What she Wants,” already slated to follow in December. For G. Franklin, this is more than a comeback. He is the quiet storm that has weathered the elements, and now, he’s ready to show the world the beautiful, unflappable serenity that awaits when you’ve mastered the discipline of your own mind.
Make sure you set a reminder for October 31st, because the calmest man in the room is about to make the loudest noise.
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