Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Reviewed: June 03, 2023
In a world where braggadocio and hardened exteriors dominate the hip-hop landscape, thebookofeugene's follow up project to his 2020 debut VII - Vulnerability is Power, is a refreshing and invigorating journey into the depths of one man's psyche, this up-and-coming artist makes a compelling case for emotional honesty as a source of strength. Hailing from West Rand, Johannesburg, Orapeleng Eugene Mokgosi is a 20 year old music producer, songwriter and
aspiring mixing engineer he started rapping in the 5th grade and began recording his music in the 7th grade through the help of his
close friends who are also musicians themselves. The environment he grew up in was inhabited with music lovers and it came as no surprise to him when he decided to dedicate his entire life to making music
Eugene delivers a masterful exploration of themes such as doubt, healing, self-mastery, and the constant battle with ego, pride, and pain. This modern-day classic evokes a sense of nostalgia through its sampling and sound, while simultaneously challenging the notion that vulnerability is weakness.
From the very first listen, Vulnerability is Power grips you with its rich, evocative sampling, transporting you to a time and place that feels as though it has been plucked straight from your own childhood memories. Each track feels like an intimate conversation with the listener, revealing the artist's path to overcoming depression and ascending to his higher self. This sense of familiarity provides the perfect backdrop for Eugene's deeply introspective lyrics, showcasing his exceptional gift for choosing just the right words to convey his message.
Eugene's raw honesty and openness throughout the album allow listeners to dive deep into his troubled pool of thought, exploring his own battles with ego and pride, and the healing journey he is undertaking. This level of vulnerability is not only courageous but also powerful, as it breaks down barriers and invites listeners to confront their own fears, doubts, and insecurities. The album's structure effectively tells Eugene's story in a way that feels both personal and universal, like a road map to self-discovery
Each track on the album is a testament to Eugene's showmanship, as he effortlessly weaves his emotions into his rhymes, highlighting empathy as another one of his superpowers. His powerful lyricism and storytelling ability make Vulnerability is Power an album that demands repeat listens, each time revealing new layers of meaning and depth. The influence of artists like Navy Blue, MIKE, Earl Sweatshirt, Kendrick Lamar and King Krule is evident in the production style, giving this album an instant classic status among modern-day conscious rap.
Standout tracks such as "YOUCANTSAVEME!", "A LETTER TO REVENGE" and "FAITH INTERLUDE" exemplify the album's central themes, showcasing Eugene's ability to tackle complex subjects with a deft touch and razor-sharp wit. The result is a thought-provoking and inspiring collection of songs that hold up a mirror to the listener, prompting self-reflection and personal growth.
Notable songs like WEIGHT OF THE WORLD, is a good intro into the album, it brings the listener straight into the deep end of Eugene's troubled pool of thought. It's easy to follow his lyricism and uses simple terms for listeners to be apart of the experience. Brilliant choice of words, saying less but enough to carry the concept forward, the track expresses how to celebrate your little wins and the amount of effort we put in everyday in your journey of introspection, that is rarely spoken of, he does this in a very brilliant way with how the song is structured, how the beats compliment the theme of the song and how he successfully does this through out the whole album.
On the title track, "VULNERABILITY IS POWER", the sampling is rich to say the least. The title track does ultimate justice capturing the motive behind the album and why the title is of importance the development of self. It is also abolishing the myth of 'vulnerability is a weakness' by bringing this to the limelight and talking on it in a different perspective that were used to. He showcases how vulnerability is the act of healing and understanding self. Also the track is a great showmanship of his character. He is a very skilled lyricist, he expresses his emotions through his rhymes showing how empathy is also another of his superpower.
Listening to the fifth track, "FAITH INTERLUDE", it is bringing every other themes discussed in the first four songs. Into retrospect, FAITH is more like Eugene took a very long and honest look at his reflection, pointed out all his toxic traits and his negative perspectives and finally decided to have faith in himself and God to change his fate and grow into his higher self as a result of it. Track 5 is an transition to his higher self, the healed version in a sense, the beat is more lively and upbeat, even his lyrics are not too depressive as in the first half of the album. Track 5 signifies a change for the better, taking charge of your fate and creating your own reality.
Notable Lyrics: "I'm finding it hard to readjust and let a random person in/ behind the walls I'm building up/That's before I realised that Vulnerability is Power, it was too late/Love you overstayed your visit/Now I'm back to fighting my depression with no distractions/Got it finished but who am I fooling, quit the gimmicks".
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Vulnerability is Power is its ability to abolish the myth that vulnerability is an act of weakness. Instead, Eugene proves that embracing vulnerability can lead to strength, healing, and ultimately, empowerment. This message is both timely and timeless, making the album a true modern-day classic that will resonate with audiences for years to come.
In conclusion, thebookofeugene's Vulnerability is Power is a triumphant follow up project that showcases not only his incredible talent as a rapper and lyricist but also his capacity for introspection, empathy, and personal growth. This album is a loner's healing component, offering solace, understanding, and inspiration to those who are brave enough to confront their own vulnerabilities. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of one of Johannesburg's most promising talents.
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