First things first, welcome to SOTB if you’re new here. I write about music I rock with and ask that you, as readers, give these artists a chance. You never know, you could find your new favorite artist. Case in point, East London rapper Vacatixn (pronounced “vacation”) and his song “Lesson Learned.” Someone will hear this and think “damn, this guy is nice. Lemme check out everything else he’s got online.” His discography is pretty impressive considering he hasn’t been in the game for ages. Today, I’d like to focus on a track I received a little bit ago, “Lesson Learned.”

Lyrically, instrumentally and flow-wise, this one reminds me of a Lupe Fiasco track, circa Food and Liquor 1 or The Cool. If you want an older comparison, think The Pharcyde meets Jurassic 5 with a helping of ATCQ’s more jazz rap leanings. The way Vacatixn blends a jazzy boombap beat with multilayered punchlines and intricate rhymes gives an overall feeling of “here’s what you need to do to truly appreciate hip-hop.” He doesn’t scold, but he does let it be known that true rap comes from the soul, not just through one’s ability to rhyme words together. I respect that mindset, especially since I agree with it.

Then, when you think things can’t get any smoother and elevated, you get to the hook which reminds me of a neo-soul song. Vacatixn suggested the hook is within the sonic wheelhouse of Dwele and I’m on-board with that. After that, you get one of the sweetest sax solos I’ve heard this year, played by Fabian Hernandez, a two-time Grammy winner.

If you want your rap with a conscious edge this morning, I believe this one will fit right in. Check it out below and support dope music in all its forms.