Happy birthday to me! I’m somehow back on this SOTB tip (I guess bowing out in about 9 months will do that to a person). Until then, we’re going to talk good music. And this one is another example of said “good music.” Indian-Canadian artist Saint Soldier hit my line this morning with two cuts from his The Way of the Artist album, which dropped last Friday. The songs in question, “Mudra Gang” and “Messages” consist of the rapper getting closer to the Most High while also achieving inner peace, stability and success as an indie artist. I recommend checking the entire project out if you like the below. It’s nothing but good music, witty bars and a sound that’s more along the lines of positive ’90s rap with a 2020s twist.

“Mudra Gang” was one of the tracks off the 18-song album that really grabbed me–especially since it’s a song I thought should’ve been longer. The lyrics consist of Soldier and his co-star Yvng Darko wanting to recruit you to their positivity to expunge all the negative out of you and your way of thinking. While I won’t throw a mudra like a gang sign (there are reasons), I respect the positivity and the message they’re putting forth. I also respect that the duo managed to make a thumping, club-like song together while speaking on Yogic hand gestures. Not too many people I know can do that. Yes, we can make bangers about the Creator. Kanye West and Kirk Franklin taught us that (before they became memes of what not to do). However, a meditation-centric track that still manages to make your head not is rare. At least, it’s rare to me.

“Messages” is in a similar vein, conscious rap about realignment and making sure you’re in line with what God believes your path is. Life is better, at least to me, when you’re living it…but living it a bit more spiritually-inclined. The beat here, though, is top notch. It’s perfect for Soldier to drop about two-and-a-half minutes of introspective hip-hop focused on the messages God sends out to him. After all, God truly does help those who want to help themselves. You can’t do it alone, but you can at least get the program running. I also just love the fact that, like those aforementioned Creator-centric bangers, this one can be played at any volume in just about any playlist.

Check out The Way of the Artist (especially the previously-listed songs) and support dope music in all its forms. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to log off, see my kids and possibly eat cake.