Flip the calendar again to December twenty fifth, 2024, and from the depths of the Smokersblend model emerged “Lions Solar,” a collaborative album that defies expectations and shatters linguistic boundaries. Lion Arkroyal, Nagoya’s lyrical samurai, and The Love Theme, the architect of hip-hop’s golden age introduced into the 21st century, have crafted not simply an album, however a sonic monument.
From the second the needle drops (or the play button is pressed, in our digital age), “Lions Solar” engulfs you. This isn’t simply beats and phrases; it’s an immersive expertise, a meticulously crafted soundscape that feels each timeless and completely up to date. Dominic Owen, recognized to the world as The Love Theme, unleashes a manufacturing masterclass. Thumping drums, the bedrock of any nice hip-hop file, collide with sweeping strings that evoke cinematic grandeur. Skittering scratches, a reverent nod to the turntablist pioneers, add a layer of nostalgic grit. The basslines pulse with a tangible vibrancy, the piano melodies weave a heat, introspective tapestry, and choral interludes add a celestial sheen. This can be a sound that breathes, that lives, that calls for to be felt.
When Lion Arkroyal enters the fray, his voice – gritty and commanding – cuts by means of the sonic tapestry like a katana by means of silk. Whereas his lyrics, delivered with unwavering confidence, are in Japanese, their energy transcends language. His stream, honed to a razor’s edge, speaks a common tongue, a language of rhythm, emotion, and pure, unadulterated hip-hop vitality. That is the magic of “Lions Solar”: it proves that music, at its core, is a visceral, emotional expertise that wants no translation.
The album, an 11-track journey on CD1, is a meticulously curated time capsule of hip-hop’s most alluring sonic components. From the cinematic sweep of “Intro” to the rapid-fire “Alright,” the soulful “The Voice,” the scratchy vitality of “Get Up,” the culturally wealthy bang of “Sakura Karma,” the ethereal “Heaven,” the epic “Kusanagi no Tsurugi,” the playful jazzy flavours of “What What What,” the reflective “Previous Has Gone,” the colourful “Day by Day,” and the conclusive musical great thing about “Outro,” Lion Arkroyal & The Love Theme information listeners by means of a panorama of sonic innovation, nostalgia, and technical mastery.
That is an album of no compromises, a testomony to the artists’ dedication to their craft. CD2 of the “Lions Solar” album accommodates the tracks “Gan Gan,” “Babylon In The Sky,” plus TILT Guerilla remixes of the observe “Get Up.” There may be additionally a group of instrumental variations of the album’s tracks made obtainable for aficionados.
Lion Arkroyal’s story is as compelling as his music. Born in London and raised in Nagoya, he embodies a fusion of cultures, a worldwide citizen steeped within the wealthy traditions of Japanese artistry and the uncooked vitality of hip-hop. His father, DJ Richio Susuki, offered a musical schooling that spanned genres and eras, shaping Arkroyal’s eclectic sonic palette. Influenced by the giants of 90s hip-hop – Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Biggie Smalls, and Snoop Dogg – he’s cast a sound that’s each traditional and cutting-edge.
The collaboration with The Love Theme, a producer whose resume reads like a who’s who of hip-hop royalty, is a stroke of genius. Owen’s work with The Infamous B.I.G., Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, and numerous others has left an indelible mark on the style. “Lions Solar” carries that legacy ahead, mixing Owen’s signature sound with Arkroyal’s distinctive imaginative and prescient.
For Lion Arkroyal, the title itself is a declaration of intent. It embodies the power and energy of the king of the jungle, a mirrored image of the artist’s personal unwavering spirit. He carries the vitality of Nagoya inside him, a metropolis that has deeply influenced his artistry. Born in London however rooted within the vibrant tradition of Japan’s third-largest metropolis, he channels its vitality into his music. He speaks of “Kusanagi no Tsurugi,” a observe impressed by an area legend, a testomony to the town’s profound affect on his artistic course of. His musical schooling started in his childhood residence, the place his father, DJ Richio Susuki, immersed him in a world of various sounds. This early publicity to the origins of hip-hop samples gave him a profound appreciation for the classics.
Working with The Love Theme, a legend in his personal proper, was a pivotal second. He sees the collaboration as an honor, a testomony to the ability of connection by means of music. Arkroyal is pushed by a want to craft music that resonates with everybody, no matter age or background. Whereas he finds it troublesome to select a favourite observe, he acknowledges the group’s enthusiasm for “The Voice.” His long-term objectives lengthen past this album; he goals to develop as an artist, contribute positively to the Nagoya hip-hop scene, and depart a long-lasting affect on the style. He holds a deep respect for the samurai ethos, discovering self-discipline and focus within the observe of swordsmanship. In his personal phrases, “Lions Solar” is a testomony to “Hope, Ardour, and Loyalty.”
Dominic Owen, often called The Love Theme, is a grasp of sonic landscapes. He sees his work as a steady exploration, a journey that has taken him throughout continents and genres. The chance to collaborate with Lion Arkroyal in Japan was a compelling problem, an opportunity to immerse himself in a brand new tradition. He approaches every mission with the identical dedication, specializing in the important components of timing, efficiency, and melody. The restricted version double CD was a deliberate selection, a manner to supply followers in Japan with a tangible piece of artwork.
Reflecting on his illustrious profession, he acknowledges the profound affect of his work with The Infamous B.I.G. and Rakim, moments that stand as testaments to his enduring legacy. He’s advanced his manufacturing model, embracing the ability of digital expertise whereas sustaining the essence of his traditional sound. He believes aspiring producers ought to deal with growing their distinctive model and proudly owning their content material. He acknowledges the inevitability of AI in music manufacturing, recognizing its potential whereas emphasizing the significance of artistic management. “Lions Solar” is certainly one of many tasks he has in movement, alongside his work with Smokersblend and different artists. His ardour for exploration extends past music, encompassing journey and a pursuit of a wholesome and fulfilling life.
“Lions Solar” is greater than the sum of it’s elements; it’s a testomony to the unifying energy of music, a bridge between cultures, and a shining instance of hip-hop’s enduring relevance. Lion Arkroyal and The Love Theme have created a masterpiece that may resonate with listeners for generations to return. That is hip-hop at its best, a mix of uncooked vitality, lyrical brilliance, and sonic innovation that calls for to be heard.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
Lion Arkroyal: Instagram | Tik Tok | Bandcamp
The Love Theme: Instagram
