Raw Soul drops new album

Born in Vancouver, Canada, but originally from Tripoli in Libya, Raw Soul is a rapper and lawyer by profession, walking the tightrope between his demanding career and his passion for music to bring to life his original sonic vision. His ability to balance these two contrasting paths speaks to his determination and a talent that’s as compelling in his lyricism as it is in his professional pursuits.

Taking inspiration from a vast range of artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, J. Cole, Jonwayne, Slug of Atmosphere, Linkin Park and System of a Down, he forges his own unique brand of hip hop music infused with poignant storytelling and reflective meditations. Through his music, he offers listeners a window into life from his perspective, oscillating between optimism and melancholy, always delivered via an authentic voice.

First unveiling his sound in 2020 on his debut EP, he’s since been on a prolific creative spree, dropping a plethora of releases across multiple singles, EPs and albums. Now he brings us his latest release with the brand new ten-track full-length record titled Journey // Destination. The project is less a singular work and more a collection of snapshots; moments that chronicle the journey he’s undertaken over the last decade and a half to arrive at this point in his life.

Journey // Destination carries the energy of a diary translated into music. Recorded over the past few months, it reflects the duality of confidence and vulnerability. The tracks cut from the celebratory highs and sobering lows, framing his own experiences with striking clarity. Opening the album with “Terra,” smooth instrumental textures swirl to lay down a soulful backdrop for Raw Soul’s laid back rapped flows gently glide above, resulting in a retro-tinged outing that’s at once anthemic and mellow in equal measure.

“To the Top” injects a slick groove of snapping beats, pulsing basslines and memorable vocal hooks, putting the artist’s catchy writing and engaging vocal style on full display. With “How That Sound?” he sets up another alternative hip hop jam instilled with the contrast of bright instrumental tones and crisp punch of drums capped by compelling vocal work in a spectacular showcase of his rolling rapped lines wrapped up in an enthralling arrangement.

Tracks like “2012” reveals his creative flair with swells of delicate instrumentation met with the infectious shuffle of the beat to tee up Raw Soul’s bouncy vocal leads as airy sax tones drift through the hazy sonic fabric. “Simple Breeze” distils a superb old school aesthetic with the hop of the beat, soft guitar tones and elegant piano plinks as his playful vocal work shines above. Bringing the album to a close with title track “Journey // Destination,” silky strings and shimmering textures give way to a grooving beat as Raw Soul’s impactful voice hovers above to deliver an instantly memorable jam brimming with rhythm and razor sharp vocal work to conclude his sensational new record.

Listen to Journey // Destination below