Proklaim incorporates his life experiences, wide range of influences, and abiding passion for music into every song he makes. He is more than just an artist. Proklaim, a musician based in Windhoek, Namibia started out in the hip-hop industry with a love for the art that goes beyond simple genre classifications. His varied taste, which is evident in the music he creates, is influenced by a broad range of genres and decades. The complex tapestry of inspiration that is Proklaim’s music spans from the deep melodies of Lauryn Hill and Prince to the lyrical prowess of Nas and Jay Z.
The immortal hits of Bob Marley, the innovative beats of Wu-Tang Clan, and the potent words and rhythms of Motown singers all had a profound impact on Proklaim as a child. His perception of music as a means for communication and expression was influenced by these musicians as well as others like Big Punisher and Michael Jackson. Over the course of his career, Proklaim has continued to develop, pushing the envelope of what hip-hop is capable of while remaining loyal to its origins. His 2018 track “Kingz,” which was featured on MTV Base, demonstrated his ability to combine traditional hip-hop elements with a contemporary spin—a skill he has developed and refined over the years.
Proklaim’s songs are a window into his experiences, his triumphs and setbacks, and his unwavering commitment to his craft. He has always been motivated by the desire to restore the innocence and purity of early hip-hop, to resurrect the festiveness and pleasure that characterized the genre’s origins while fusing modern aspects that appeal to listeners today. He has a distinct and important voice in the international music industry because of his music, which celebrates hip-hop’s past, present, and future.
August 5th, 2024 saw the debut of “Soul Session,” a song by Proklaim that honors the golden age of hip-hop history while also being a contemporary masterwork. “Soul Session” instantly transports you to a period of pure, raw hip-hop that was exploding at the seams. However, Proklaim creates a new version of the past rather than just copying it. He gives the vintage sounds that influenced him fresh life with a contemporary rap flow that is both smooth and crisp. The song offers listeners a taste of the retro mood with a modern, fresh touch, perfectly balancing nostalgia and innovation. Proklaim’s vision for “Soul Session” was clear from the start: to capture the essence of early hip-hop’s fun and innocence while pushing the genre forward into new, uncharted territories.
Upon initially pressing play on Proklaim’s “Soul Session,” I was instantly taken back to a time when hip-hop was unadulterated, unfiltered, and brimming with vitality. With its genuine, vintage instrumental, the track’s initial seconds transport me back to the early years of hip-hop, almost like a time machine. The way the song opens is so alluring: a man’s confident voice says, “so let’s get that ball rolling right now,” and there’s a faint echo that sets the mood for what’s to come. Proklaim seemed to be calling us to accompany him on this historical voyage, and I couldn’t resist saying yes.
The clarity and authenticity of that radio-like drum beat were enough to make me feel like I was listening to a classic vinyl record, complete with all the nostalgia that comes with it. As the song continued, I found myself drawn into the layers of sound that Proklaim masterfully weaves together. The adlib synth vocals added a whole new level of dimension to the piece, which had already caught me by the time it reached the 0:09 mark. I felt as though the song was gradually unveiling itself to me, layer by layer, and every new development was more fascinating than the last. However, the abrupt change at 0:12 truly caught me off guard.
A sublime soundscape consisting of a combination of structured and distorted underground noises replaced the old-school beat. This combination of synths, echoes, and percussion created a sound that was both chaotic and beautiful, a perfect representation of the old meeting the new. The heavy bass that rode on top of these sounds added a level of depth and intensity that made my heart pound in sync with the rhythm. The way Proklaim combines the retro feel of “Soul Session” with a contemporary edge to create a sound that is yet nostalgic and new is what really grabs my attention. Taking center stage, the bass delivers attention-grabbing, opulent progressions.
The other meticulously arranged sounds, which lie beneath this prominent bassline, combine to create a little slower, cozier, yet still forward-leaning rhythm. I can’t help but bop my head, close my eyes, and get lost in the music when I hear this rhythm. But what really elevates the track is Proklaim’s rap flow. His delivery is smooth, confident, and full of life, breathing new energy into the classic sound. There’s a modernity in his flow that makes the song feel relevant and alive, a testament to his ability to honor the past while still pushing hip-hop forward. One of the most impressive aspects of “Soul Session” is Proklaim’s control over his breath and the consistency of his performance.
Even as the instrumentation changes and progresses, he maintains a steady and exact flow throughout the song. His voice is occasionally double-tracked, which gives it a warmth and richness that fills the song out and makes it feel more immersive. Using this technique gives the music more depth and gives the impression that Proklaim is in the room with me, confidently delivering his lines. It’s obvious that he has a thorough awareness of the history and craft of rapping from the way he rides the beat, which is nothing short of classic. I started to notice the minor percussion changes as the song went on, which gradually but surely brought more energy to the foreground.
I saw that I was losing myself in the rhythm as the groove grew more noticeable. The song’s movements and shifts are executed so expertly that the whole effect is enhanced rather than detracted from. I couldn’t stop listening to this groove because it combines contemporary creativity with classic sensibilities, making it sound both fresh and familiar. Whether it’s a subliminal auditory depth or a deft poetic phrase choice, every time I listen, I learn something new. With each hearing, the song’s genius is revealed more fully, making it a rewarding listen. “Soul Session” leaves me feeling both fulfilled and wanting more by the time it ends.
This song, which honors the origins of hip-hop while simultaneously advancing the genre, is something absolutely unique that Proklaim has developed. Spoken words provide another layer of depth to the song, making it feel like a conversation between the past and the present. It’s a song that appeals to everyone who enjoys soulful, inventive, and creative music—not just lovers of classic hip-hop. Hip-hop’s “Soul Session” by Proklaim reminds me why I originally fell in love with the genre, and I’m excited to follow his future endeavors.
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