Worlasi Verbalizes his Innermost Thoughts and Fears on ‘The.rap.y.’

Worlasi for the longest time, has been known to always challenge the status quo with his art. On 13th April, 2023, he released an E.P stylized as ‘The.rap.y’ to continue this trajectory. On the project, he doesn’t hold back from giving the listener a deep dive into his psyche; where he’s not afraid to open up about his innermost thoughts and emotions. He takes one on a journey through the ups and downs of his life, exploring the many challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned along the way. But what sets this album apart from others in the genre is its focus on therapy and mental health. Through introspective lyrics and riveting beats, Worlasi verbalizes an honest and vulnerable portrayal of a journey towards self-discovery, and a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength. Let’s get into it!

Track 1 ‘Perfection,’ explores the perspective of two different people on the upsides and downsides of being a perfectionist. Through clever wordplay and a smooth flow in Pidgin, English and Ewe, Worlasi switches between the two viewpoints effortlessly. The first perspective creates the impression that, everything the rapper has now, he owes to this figurative character called ‘Perfection.’ The second perspective on the other hand throws the middle finger at this fictional character and concept by highlighting the drawbacks of perfectionism, including the toll it takes on mental health and the inability to appreciate progress because of the constant focus on the end result. He does this by creating hypotheses of striving for perfection, such as the satisfaction that comes from achieving lofty goals and the respect that perfectionists command from others; and even reversing the beat when the “Fuck you perfection” bar hit. However, the song’s production is minimalistic, allowing Worlasi’s lyrics to take center stage. In all, ‘Perfection’ is a thought-provoking track that displays his skills as a lyricist and storyteller.

Next up is ‘Luci,’ which from the outset features a conspicuous bass guitar riff. On this song, Worlasi begins his raps in the third person of a love interest who’s so enamored of the rapper, and would go to several lengths to be with him. ‘Luci’ in Latin means ‘light,’ so probably this love interest wants to bring that into the rapper’s life. But as it is the case often, women who ‘apply pressure’ when it comes to love are tagged desperate, and Worlasi wastes no time in alluding to that fact on the second verse.

Track 3 started out as a vibeee! For a little over 30 seconds, you’re stuck in an Amapiano inspired loop featuring some soothing vocals from Worlasi in Ewe. The second part of this song is pure genius. Words would fail me at expressing the level of genius. Worlasi brings forth the two contradictory voices in his head; the one that is proud of what he has achieved thus far, and the one that feels he could do more. He characterizes this perfectly with the bar, “I’m Kanye creative, but unlike Kanye crazy.” He goes further to address the issue of contentment and sheer frustration of how the Ghanaian system is set up to fail the meritorious ones.

‘Who the F’ traverses the issue of gratitude in a number of societal relationships. One transcending concern has always been the grounds on which to determine when and how to question one’s gratitude, and loyalty to a relationship. Worlasi takes the stance of the aggrieved partner in the relationship in contexts like the music industry, family, amorous relationships and even governance.

Track 5 is a more reflective and sombre track. On ‘Future Self,’ he’s faced with the paradox that comes with figuring out progress; feeling depressed by digging into your past and feeling anxious by looking into the future.

‘When I’m Gone’ is a powerful and introspective track by Worlasi who speaks candidly about his legacy and the impact he hopes to leave on the world. Through clever wordplay and poignant lyrics, he delivers a message about the importance of his music and the way he wants it to be remembered long after he’s gone. With a driving beat and haunting melody, the track conveys a sense of urgency and importance, urging listeners to pay attention to the message and take it to heart.

The final track is a conversation among Worlasi and some friends on their upbringing and their thoughts on seeking therapy. A very thought-provoking conversation.

The subject matter behind this E.P has been a driving force behind many great works of art throughout history, and this is no exception. The raw emotion and vulnerability captured in these songs are proof of the power of therapy in helping individuals confront and overcome their inner demons. Whether you’re a fan of Worlasi or not, this project is a powerful reminder that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous act of self-care. So if you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out and seek the help you need. It’s never too late to start your own journey towards healing and growth.

Stream Worlasi – The.rap.y here!