Not knowing what I want to do in life and already five semesters in college, I felt like I was lost at sea. I was considering doing something that involved helping out the community but I wasn't sure. Listening to this EP has really made me think about myself. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, I’ve witnessed and experienced many harsh conditions. Listening to “Eyes Open” has inspired me on serving others even more. I feel that I'm obligated not to be self-centered and to help others in need. I wouldn't say this EP completely changed me, it just influenced me to change my perspective in life.
Sol is a hip hop an artist from Seattle who released an EP called “Eyes Open” on September 10th, 2013. I have been following Sol since his mixtape “Dear Friends Vol, ll” was released in 2010. When Sol released his album "Yours Truly" in 2012, it soared through the iTunes US Hop Chart to number one. Sol then left the United States to travel for ten months as part of the Bonderman Honors Travel Fellowship he was awarded at the University of Washington. Some would say it was not very wise for this university graduate, to leave while he was on the rise. Seattle has became a city where numerous artists have been getting a lot recognition. With Sol being one of those artist, it seemed like he would fall flat on his face if he packed up his bags and left.
"Eyes Open" is based on what Sol experienced during his 10 month trip to different countries. Some might debate in order to actually understand the "new way of viewing the human experience" one must live there for a few years. Sol's 10 month trip to different countries seems like a short sabbatical. The tracks that have a deep meaning to them mention people starving, die, and live in harsh, poor conditions. When I first played a random track on this EP I could have sworn it sounded like some rock music, I once played on Guitar Hero; however it wasn’t. The different variety of instruments you can hear through out this EP is ridiculously good. Never have I heard a hip hop artist tell amazing stories in there tracks, while in the background a harp like sound or guitar played and pull it off. "Eyes Open" is produced very well you can hear it all, from the drums, piano, and trumpets which nearly overshadow what Sol has to say. One would say that tracks like "Tomorrow", "Lost At Sea", "Jump In", and "Dope" brighten up the mood in this EP.“Eyes Open” is like an all you can eat international buffet; there something for every taste.
Over all, Sol did a great job convincing me to never visit Cape Town because of the track "City of Walls". Also Sol was great using his story telling skills to share his experience. Sol is still nowhere near at the level of Geo (from the Blue Scholars) but he's getting there. Turns out the gamble of a year of absence, was a jackpot decision for Sol. He just might be the next artist to blow up in Seattle, just like Macklemore did.
