Vernon, BC-native SonReal (real name Aaron Hoffman) released his second official studio album, The Aaron LP, this past Friday via Black Box Recordings Inc.
The highly anticipated 10-track project was initially teased back in February with the release of his Trevor Muzzy-produced “Parachute” single. The accompanying video—directed by Dane Collison—has been viewed close to 715K times since dropping back on Feb. 11.
The song proved to be especially important as it served as a bit of foundation as the rest of album came together. SonReal touched on it in a message he included with the video’s release:
“Parachute is one of the first songs I wrote off my new album and it kind of shaped a lot of my thought process for the rest of the project. So many people are afraid of their dreams and afraid to get after them. Parachute is about me going all out with everything in my life. Not being afraid to put myself out there and say the things I want to say.”
And while the multi-JUNO nominee has numerous huge rap records on his discography, The Aaron LP is much more of a genre blending mashup of infectious vibes and catchy melodies. Mostly it really captivates his growth and how far he’s come since we first met him along with another rapper named Renaissance in the mid-2000s.
Along with “Parachute,” the album’s singles included “1000 Highways” and the Jessie Reyez-assisted “Healing.” Muzzy (Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga) produced both songs, and had a hand in producing the rest of the songs on the project as well. Additionally, three tracks (previously released singles) including “Have a Nice Day,” “Last Year,” and “No More,” are found only on the physical version of the album.
The album’s theme focuses largely seizing the day, appreciating life experiences, and paying homage to the people he loves, like “1000 Highways.” The song is a dedication to his wife, and about the moments leading up to proposing to her. Or “Voicemail,” where he explains that being raised by three women “wasn’t easy, but it helped me see the world with a proper vision.”
“I’m sending love from LA, use this song as letter
Funny no matter how far, we always come together
And now you girls grown up, lookin’ brilliant as ever
I was raised by women, give my praise to women
So this song’s dedicated to today’s new women”
The Aaron LP was recorded in Los Angeles and is the first project since 2017’s One Long Dream. Stream The Aaron LP below. You can find it on Apple Music, Spotify, and other digital streaming services.
Aaron’s World Tour kicksoff in Calgary on Wednesday, May 22, and he’ll be reaching markets in the United States and Europe as well. Head over to his official website for more details and tickets.
You can follow @SonReal on Instagram.
