Born in Vancouver, Canada and originally hailing from Tripoli, Libya, Raw Soul creates rap music from the inside out. His work is based in self-examination, able to move through uncomfortable thoughts, contradictions and emotional shadows in search of something honest, real and widely relatable. Through his music, he offers windows into the subconscious via startling self-portraits of a man trying to understand himself in real time.
That openness defines the project an Raw Soul can sound equally optimistic, then bruised, reflective, then sharply direct. His music speaks to a more recognisable truth, the idea that people struggle, people doubt, people fall apart and rebuild and through that lens, his songs ultimately become about companionship and connection.
Inspiration from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, J. Cole, Nas and Tupac point toward lyrical focus and storytelling purpose, while Jonwayne, Slug of Atmosphere, Linkin Park and System of a Down suggest an appetite for emotion, experimentation and intensity. Raw Soul appears to draw from all of it, shaping a voice that values reflection just as much as impact.
First making his entrance in 2020 with his debut outing The EP, he’s since delivered an expansive catalogue across multiple singles, EPs and full-length records. Now he brings us his latest release with his brand new record titled Still High…, a new eight-track record positioned as his most accomplished project to date. The album arrives as the work of an artist who’s stopped chasing the idea of arrival and started living inside his musical vision itself.
Set up by the flutter of piano, bouncy bass lines and smooth vocal delivery on opening track “Run Free,” the pulse of shuffling beats injects a slick groove as Raw Soul’s compelling rapped flows roll above. Carried by energising rhythm and bright instrumentation, it’s a catchy hip hop jam that’s unique and uplifting from start to finish. Title track “Still High” glides with laid back groove as the metallic rattle of drums and soulful arrangement underpin his razor-sharp vocal work, forming an instantly memorable outing that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
“In Need (of Healing)” drifts into focus with misty instrumental textures before gliding into a mellow scene that deftly balances dreamy aesthetic, soft rhythm and subtly intense vocals. “Skyscrapers” arrives with pulsing synth tones and punching beats as Raw Soul’s commanding vocals floats above to cast lofty leads above, resulting in a transportive listening experience throughout.
Tracks like “Perseverance” flow with hopping beats, flickering piano notes and swooping backing vocalisations that wrap around Raw Soul’s compelling performance. “I’m Going (Letting Go)” brings a lilting rhythmic sway as elegant strings glide through the arrangement and intricate rapped leads dance above. With “Lenses,” the rustle of snapping drums, warm low end tones and captivating vocal performance combine to serve up an epic rap soundscape.
Closing the release with “To Whom it May Concern” pairs crisp beats, breezy instrumentation and powerful rapped bars to lay down a catchy finale to his superb new record. With Still High…, Raw Soul presents an epic run through of his developing sonic vision, offering a stellar hip hop outing that’s sure to win over new listeners around the world.
Listen to Still High… below
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