Touting a hip-hop sound that immerses in its atmospheric and melodic production, Journey // Destination is the new album from Raw Soul. The Vancouver-born artist — with roots in Tripoli, Libya — recorded the album’s material over the past several months. Despite the quick recording process, resonating themes reflect Raw Soul’s past 10-15 years of life. “I tend to focus on certain snapshots of moments, and this project both exudes confidence and vulnerability in equal parts, at times celebratory and at other times reflective,” he explains.
A riveting hip-hop self-portrait, Journey // Destination impresses right away with the magnetic opening track “Terra.” Soulful vocal samples and a brass-forward orchestral captivation lead a gorgeous backdrop. “No time to rewind,” the steady vocals let out, ruminating on the road ahead and acknowledging that over-lingering on the past can be a detriment. The lyrical prowess, vocal delivery, and beat are all fantastic, crafting a replay-inducing success that kicks off Journey // Destination in consuming form.
A headier rhythmic pulse stirs on the ensuing “To the Top,” moving from the opener’s moody retrospection into a classic hip-hop swagger. “I be pulling all the plugs like I run all of the channels,” Raw Soul’s lyricism envelops, seamlessly melding within the bass and drum prominence. “How That Sound?” follows in continuing that bass-heavy enthrallment, this time set amidst chilly keys and expressive vocal additions. “I’m down for a toke,” a sense of celebration ensues within the hypnotic bass and keys. The album quickly stands out in its dynamic flow, from the orchestral soulfulness of “Terra” to subsequent more hip-hop vigor.
The soulful, warming nostalgia returns on the lovely “A While…” — where murky soul vocals and twinkling piano concoct a stately soundscape as an infectious hip-hop flow emerges. Bouncy piano and “looking up the sky, sometimes I wonder why,” vocal contemplation pair with nodding percussion for a dreamily inviting charm. A conversational vocal builds in between the verses: “The world’s in a terrible state right now, but if you can impact your surroundings in a positive light… I mean, what more can you do?” It’s a poignant representation of the album’s ethos, emphasizing to seize the day and make it a brighter experience for you and others.
Journey // Destination doesn’t let up in its stream of successful productions. Dreamy guitar swirls adorn “Words from Your Tongue” with compelling qualities, while “What’s Next?” plays as another example of Raw Soul’s ability to weave heart-tugging orchestral arrangements within his gripping vocal delivery. Alongside “Terra,” “What’s Next?” proves spine-tingling in its infusion of lyrical introspection within hypnotic rhythms and gorgeous orchestration. Journey // Destination is a thorough hip-hop success from Raw Soul.
