North Carolina artist Saul Goode surges into a powerful new chapter with the release of Like Like, a lively, addictive single that officially sets the tone for his forthcoming album Sebastian, an album by Ryan. Dropping on November 14, 2025, the track introduces the next stage of Saul Goode’s evolution, merging his sharpened lyrical insight with the charismatic presence of The Musalini, the acclaimed Jamla Records standout who brings a dynamic contrast to the song’s kinetic momentum.
Produced by longtime collaborator Lele (Empc), Like Like carries a vibrant blend of rhythm and atmosphere shaped directly from a meaningful afternoon walk that marked a turning point in Saul Goode’s life. Having recently returned to himself after the emotional toll of his deportation from South Korea and the weight of his mother’s health challenges, he transformed ordinary neighborhood sounds like the crackling of ice in his latte and the echo of loud birds into inventive layers that build a sonic world reminiscent of a bustling Southeast Asian landscape infused with coastal swagger and classic hip-hop confidence.
The single was unveiled live for the first time on November 22 at the iconic Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina, where Saul Goode celebrated the beginning of the album rollout with a performance that highlighted his renewed artistic fire. The show marked the debut of his newly formed band, led by his brother TJ Maiani on drums and serving as music director, creating a fresh musical chemistry that reflects the ambition behind Sebastian. Saul Goode’s path to this moment is a story of persistence and reinvention. He first built a devoted international following in Seoul as one-half of Part Time Cooks, the pioneering rap duo recognized as the first foreign hip-hop act ever signed to a major Korean label.
His profile expanded further when he reached the semi-finals of Jay Park’s competitive television series Sign Here, securing his reputation as an artist capable of thriving on global stages. The pandemic brought him back to Chapel Hill, where he rediscovered the power of his English voice and completed the deeply personal album Sebastian, crafted with Empc’s production, soulful instrumental contributions from his jazz-musician brother and father, and a standout feature from The Musalini. Influenced by Mac Miller, Anderson Paak, Little Simz, Erykah Badu, and Nujabes, Saul Goode channels a wide emotional spectrum that elevates his sound into something vibrant and unmistakably his own.
The release of Like Like immediately showcases why Saul Goode’s return is generating so much anticipation. The track moves with refreshing confidence, pairing his fluid delivery with a sensory production that feels bright, textured, and alive. His voice carries both calm authority and emotional depth, turning the track into a moment of pure musical uplift. Like Like shines as a bold introduction to the world he is building with Sebastian, revealing his ability to turn personal memories into rich, imaginative storytelling. It is the kind of record that rewards repeat listens, highlighting a talent who is clearly operating at one of the strongest points of his career.
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