The first striking quality of IDENTITY: WHO AM I by South-East London rapper Jules, is its diverse and dynamic sonic palette. The project takes us on an engaging journey of sounds drawing from the likes of jazz to trap. This sentiment of diversity is echoed through the subject matter of Jules’ topical and sharp lyricism throughout the EP.
The first track ‘Outsider’ sets the table for what’s to come, opening with an eery yet soulful beat. Throughout the song, Jules’ laments on the otherness she has felt throughout her life, and the ostracisation that has haunted her throughout her music career.
The track ‘Yellow Fever’ highlights Jules’ talent for writing and performing poetry by focusing purely on spoken word. This song tackles the media bias against minority groups, focusing particularly on the racism felt by the Chinese community throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. Jules’ presents us with an account of the lived experience of this prejudice through sobering lyrics such as “They don’t wanna sit next to me on the bus”, and “I’ve never seen Chinatown so quiet”.
‘The Truths’ quickly heightens the intensity from the previous tracks with impassioned violins and a rattling percussion which echoes that of a battle drum. The repeated ultimatum, ‘Will you follow in the media bias or will you join me in artistic silence’ makes this track feel like a desperate war cry against the media’s demonisation of minorities throughout the pandemic. The instrumental is scattered with splices of media segments discussing racism and the pandemic, making this track a standout on the EP.
‘Feeling Myself’ marks a turn in emotion for the EP, as it focuses on the empowerment of otherness over a heartfelt beat. Guest singer TONIE gives a great performance in their affectionate hook, “Love is love is love is love”. This track highlights how love can overcome prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community, with Jules’ declaring that “Who I end up with won’t be wrong because I follow what my heart wants”. The theme of this song is carried over to the next track ‘We Never Run’, a trap banger for female empowerment with a striking feature from Golden Phoenix.
The EP ends on a sombre and introspective note with the song ‘Who Am I’, in which Jules’ turns inwards to question whether she can overcome the trauma that has been instilled in her throughout society.
It’s clear throughout this EP that Jules’ has a true passion for rapping and musicality, as reflected by the lyrical and sonic dynamics throughout the project. Jules has neatly tied together a concept of otherness that echoes throughout every track and has expanded on this greatly from a plethora of angles and perspectives.
‘IDENTITY: WHO AM I’ is available on all streaming platforms now.
- Written By: Sam Murphy
- Email: stmurphywriter@gmail.com
- Instagram: @s.murfy
