Vancouver-born producer/rapper Raw Soul’s latest release Q4: Garbage Time, is an eight-track project that collates all the tracks left on the cutting room floor during his numerous recording sessions. The title refers to the period in timed sports competitions when the outcome has effectively been decided and, more importantly, Raw Soul’s feelings towards making music. He muses on the years he has put in and the minimum results he has received. The project looks at his jaded outlook, personal struggles and how he copes with the thoughts of giving everything up to find a new outlet to plug in.

 The project opens up with “On the Low,” a laid-back and reflective track that sees Raw Soul chasing inner peace as he balances music and the never-ending life hustle. Lines like “going back and forth like on a seesaw/Made me looking like they want me here just to please y’all/ I mean please y’all” underpin his swinging emotions as he feels like an act in the proverbial circus. He pours his frustrations on wax while acknowledging his shortcomings. The next track, “(Ain’t High But) I Might Be Stoned,“ serves as the rapper’s way to escape the craziness of life. Over a woozy and atmospheric soundscape, he gives audiences a glimpse into his work process with vivid lyricism and engaging storytelling. This leads to “Mixed Bag,” a mellow piano-driven soul-jazz piece that explores monetary endeavours and the conundrum of chasing the bag at the expense of one’s integrity. Raw Soul opens up about the eternal rat race, and lines like “I’ve been entranced or that I’m trapped/All for the bag, its still a pretty little wad of cash/Ok, perhaps I maybe in fact stuck in this act” underscore the duality of life. Is money more important than everything else? Well, the answer is really up to you, as Raw Soul reminds us of our mortality.

The project continues with the reflective tone of “Sometimes (Enough)” where we really get to hear Raw Soul’s candid thoughts on life. Over a solemn soundscape, he delivers an emotionally powerful performance ripe with details of his struggles with mental health, relationships and life in general. The overall feel of this track is akin to a therapy session, and we get to hear the intimate details of Raw Soul’s life. The next track, “Ground,” employs a snapping mid-west/trap-infused soundscape comprising pitched-down vocal chops, solemn keys and crunchy drums. Here, we get a bit of positive vibes from the rapper as he finds some semblance of peace despite the craziness around him. The project closes out with “Blue,” an aptly titled track that oozes sadness. From the moody strings, solemn guitar plucks and soothing pads to Raw Soul’s reflective lyrics. He talks about self-doubts, trepidations and how he became a shell of what he was and his slow progression to normalcy. The record is touching and quite revealing. Other interesting tracks include “Sprite,” a heartfelt track that dives into self-discovery and the introspective “Breathing Through These,” where he shows appreciation for the small mercies life has given him.

Overall Q4: Garbage Time, is a cohesive project that serves as a snapshot of where Raw Soul is mentally and creatively. His candid approach is the icing on the cake and the show of vulnerability across the board is compelling from start to finish.

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