redveil Unveils New Album “Sankofa,” A Deep Dive Into Anxiety and Growth

Rapper and producer redveil has announced his new album, Sankofa. The project is set for release on December 4th. It follows his critically acclaimed 2022 album, Learn 2 Swim.

The artist is currently in New York finalizing the album. He describes it as his most personal and sonically ambitious work to date.

Album Theme Explores Returning to One’s Roots

The album’s title, Sankofa, originates from Ghana’s Akan tribe. It means “it’s not taboo to go back for what you’ve forgotten.” redveil says this concept deeply influenced the record’s creation. He began working on the new music in November 2023.

He describes the 12-track project as a result of honoring his inner child as a producer. The album continues the narrative of his previous work but from a new perspective. “There’s a little bit of space in between that you can feel,” he noted.

Los Angeles Move and Artistic Evolution

A major move catalyzed his creative process. redveil relocated from his native PG County to Los Angeles in January 2024. He said the city forced him to “execute as big as possible.”

Living alone at 18 brought new solitude. This isolation, however, brought him closer to his craft. He focused heavily on songwriting, aiming to give listeners a place to “escape to.”

Lyrical Depth and Live Instrumentation Define the Sound

Lyrically, the album tackles anxiety and depression with raw honesty. Tracks like “pray for me” explore the psychological toll of impending fame. The song “save” ponders identity with the line, “Don’t ask me shit about me / I don’t know him from a can of paint.”

Sonically, Sankofa moves away from heavy sampling. redveil collaborated with a group of LA-based musicians to incorporate live instrumentation. This includes piano, strings, bass, and flute, creating a warmer, more composed sound.

The new album Sankofa represents a significant maturation for redveil, blending profound lyrical themes with expansive production. It solidifies his position as a unique voice in modern hip-hop, unafraid to explore the complexities of his own journey.

Info at your fingertips

What does the word “Sankofa” mean?

“Sankofa” comes from Ghana’s Akan tribe. It translates to “it’s not taboo to go back for what you’ve forgotten.” The concept is about learning from the past to move forward.

When is redveil’s new album coming out?

The album, titled *Sankofa*, is scheduled for release on December 4th. It will be his first full-length project since 2022’s *Learn 2 Swim*.

Who is featured on the album?

St. Louis rapper Smino is featured on the lead single, “brown sugar.” The album also features live instrumentation from a collective of LA-based musicians, including pianist Johnny May and bassist Jermaine Paul.

Is redveil going on tour for this album?

Yes, a tour is planned to support the album. It is scheduled to kick off on February 11th at the House of Blues in Houston.

What was the inspiration behind the album’s sound?

redveil wanted to honor his “inner child as a producer.” He focused less on samples and more on composition and live instrumentation, creating a richer, more layered sonic experience.