Emerging rapper/songwriter/producer V-I closes out the year with his new project titled A.U.R.A., a 12-track self-produced body of work that is chock full of relatable themes and engaging sounds.

The opening “Ketamine (Intro)” is resounding for its cinematic soundscape and heartfelt lyrics that dig deep into V-I’s life. He looks at his flaws, the ups and downs and the in-betweens that shaped him over the years. This is followed by “Out The Way,” a downtempo dark trap track underpinned by V-I’s commanding vocals, and unapologetic bravado-charged lyrics that reinforce his mission to be the best. This leads into the aptly titled “Steal The Show” where V-I once again showcase why he is a force to be reckoned with. Over the plucky synth-driven punchy soundscape, he discards the wack emcees and clears the path with fiery bars and a confident flow. In “All I Know,” he reminds us of his resilience and the hurdles he overcame to get to this point. Knowing nothing is given and he has only himself to rely on, V-I hits the ground running as he takes no chance.

The project thus far has given audiences a glimpse into V-I’s mindset, his goals and a bit of his story but that is just a tip of the proverbial iceberg. In “Simpler Times” featuring J.R the Golden Ticket, he brings back that classic rap duo energy that we all grew up on while “4 The Nite” takes time to celebrate and toast to the success he accrued. Over the dark and moody sounds on “Muddy Kaleidoscope(Interlude),” he flexes his verbal muscles while reminding audiences of his integrity and how he is cut from a different cloth. “ATM” is an introspective piece comprising sparse production with punchy drums and the club-ready “Swan Dive” employs a bright and cinematic trap soundscape where V-I shows raw charisma for the ladies.

Other notable tracks include the soulful “Bacardi Blues,” the reflective “Carpal Tunnel,” where he raises the ante with his pen game and the final track “Candles,” which is ripe with a memorable hook and bravado raps and a laidback demeanour. overall, A.U.R.A has an engaging sound which varies from track to track as V-I showcases his versatility as a producer and a rapper from start to finish.

My favourite tracks include “Out The Way,” “ATM” and “Candles.”