Chris Oledude, A.K.A. Chris Owens, is a Puerto Rican–born artist whose lifelong commitment to truth-telling has resulted in a career where music and social conscience are intrinsically connected. Growing up with his brothers in an artistically affluent home, Chris’s mother, Ethel Werfel Owens, taught him classical, folk, pop, funk, and protest music, while his father, Congressman Major R. Owens, instilled in him a deep respect for ideas, justice, and public service. Oledude’s artistic presence evolved from lived experiences, beginning with performances on the streets of New York City in the 1980s and progressing to decades of civic and political activism. Chris resurfaced in 2020, fusing old-school pop, funk, and R&B.

On December 30, 2025, Chris Oledude released his latest track, “Rainbow Soul”. This track is a radiant, funk-infused song inspired by progressive political history. It conveys a timeless message of unity, love, and community, linking past eras with the present. Chris Oledude recorded at Mark Dann Studio, alongside producer and mastering engineer Mark Dann and recording engineer Kat Lewis. The track features background vocals from a large ensemble, including Kiena Williams, Geoffrey Owens, Elijah Dixon Owens, and multiple vocalists, with Beau Brady on drums and Greg DiBenedetto on lead guitar.

“Rainbow Soul” begins by capturing ambient crowd sounds, such as voices and chanting. Then enter the chanting choir in a steady rhythm, accompanied by the electric guitar, claps, and what seems to be unified chants, “Go rainbow, he is the rainbow, go rainbow, she is the rainbow.” This introduction sets a warm and exciting atmosphere.

With celebration in the atmosphere, “Rainbow Soul” gradually builds up and transitions at the 0:34 mark as the rhythmic percussion locks in with a steady groove, preparing the listener for what comes next. Chris immediately starts singing with a powerful voice and message; he sings, “When you trust in me, I put my trust in you; if we will be free, we have to do the things that are not done.” Lyrically, “Rainbow Soul” sends a strong message of enlightenment and encouragement. As “Rainbow Soul” progresses, Chris Oledude continues with lines like “There’s always light at the end of every tunnel.” This line instills hope and strength in the mind of the listener. It’s always refreshing to listen to an artist who incorporates a lot of creativity into the message of their song.

Vocally, Chris delivers “Rainbow Soul” with rawness and authenticity, as he is backed by the rich tapestry of the ethereal choir vocals, the bass guitar, and the rhythmic percussion. Instrumentally, the bass guitar plays a pivotal role in the song, as it serves as the foundation of the track on which every element and layer depends, whether vocally or instrumentally. The bass guitar is consistent and is supported by the steady rhythm of the percussion. The production quality of Rainbow Soul is truly remarkable and deserves recognition.

Conclusively, “Rainbow Soul” addresses the themes of freedom, justice, trust, and unity while it rejects division and fear. It’s a track that sheds light on hidden truths regarding the problems we face in the world today, such as poverty, division, and fear. These are tools created to separate the masses and prevent them from prospering. Personally, “Rainbow Soul” goes into the different facets of life; everywhere we go and everything we do, we carry a rainbow within us. It’s a track that promotes faith and unity amongst ourselves. Rainbow Soul slowly fades away with a note of celebration and excitement, leaving an indelible mark on the mind of the listener.