This Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to participate in a series of essays, interviews, reviews, poetry, playlists, and more features in recognition of, and out of respect for the symbolism and significance of this month.
Today, Chicago artist RAHKii goes track-by-track through the expressive sounds and intimate depths of her stunning debut EP Capes as a part of Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series. The musical moniker for singer and songwriter Rockeal Jones, RAHKii (pronounced “Roc-Kee”) has been an active member of Chicago’s music scene for years – and now is her time to shine. Independently released a year ago in February 2020, Capes follows 2016’s acclaimed debut single “Beautiful” and 2018’s sophomore song “Zoom” with a 22-minute journey into what it means to be a real-life hero: To subvert expectations and defy cultural pressures in order to be the best possible version of yourself.
Capes is an inspiring, constantly engaging listen: From the aching vocal outpouring on opener “No Capes.” to the unmistakably catchy, upbeat euphoria and self-confidence of “Kryptonite.” and the bittersweet, visceral heart-on-sleeve upheaval of “Heartback.”, RAHKii dazzles at every turn with a instantly memorable hooks, immersive and diverse arrangements, and breathtaking musical performances that showcase the scope of her raw talent.
This is music that deserves to be heard; to be felt; to be processed and taken to heart. RAHKii comes to life as a “Black Girl Super Hero” through her art, soaring through our ears through genre-defying songs full of energy and verve, feeling and finesse, passion and vulnerability. Her opening statement is so much more than an introduction: It is a resounding collection of uplifting songs that motivate us to be our best selves, and make us proud to strive toward higher goals. Experience the full record via our below stream, and peek inside RAHKii’s Capes EP with Atwood Magazine as the artist goes track-by-track through the music and lyrics of her debut EP!
“At a young age, I was under the false impression that I was supposed to be and look a certain way to be accepted, especially as a female artist/creative. I tried hard to fit the mold of society’s standards. I felt like I had to have it all together because the idols I adored on TV looked like they had it all together. I fought to keep up with a false identity for years, never getting anywhere not even an inch off the ground.”
“It wasn’t until I took off every façade, everything that kept me from being me, and everything that covered who I truly was that I was able to take flight. I found freedom, love, identity and purpose when I took my cape off. I embraced who God called me to be and his design for my life and from that ‘Capes’ was born. Heroes are human: We’re flawed and imperfect. Once we realize that, we’ll realize just how super we are.” – RAHKii
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Stream: ‘Capes’ – RAHKii
:: Inside Capes ::
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No Capes.
“No Capes” is the intro of the project, and it pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song’s message is centered around the revelation of not needing a cape to be a true hero! A lot of times we use material things or facades to hide behind or use to enhance who we believe we are as superheroes when in actuality, these things don’t help us soar, they don’t help us fly. It’s merely an accessory. Superman never needed the cape to fly. The power is in us, not in the things we try to cover ourselves with.
Production by: @lifeofjackred @dphelps94
Kryptonite.
Kryptonite is about battling temptations and realizing that we are equipped with all we need to win in this war called LIFE! Life can get hard and we’re hit with unexpected blows that knock us completely out, the joy is that we are resilient and we have the choice and ability to choose to get back up again. One of our many super powers as humans 🙂
Production by: @lifeofjackred @dphelps94
Heart Back.
In my head, this song is a smash hit from a musical based on my life lol. My degree is in theater and I’m absolutely obsessed with incorporating theatrics in music to bring a song to life. This song is about finding self-worth and escaping abuse. It also speaks to the parts of us that desire to be perfect for others, so we give, love, and care until we lose our own hearts. This song is an anthem about putting an end to that!
Production by: @lifeofjackred @dphelps94
Mooz.
Mooz is literally ‘Zoom.’ played backwards. Yep lol S/O to producer @_blakewright
Zoom.
The story of this song is always so intriguing to me. I heard a voice tell me to go to starbucks at 5:30pm (no lie.) So I went to Starbucks at 5:30 with a notebook and a bible in hand waiting to receive some type of deep spiritual revelation or life changing direction about my life because I’m like “this must be God ” lol. After sitting at Starbucks for about 15minutes and getting absolutely NOTHING (lol) I was reminded of a track that was sent to me that I completely overlooked. Long story short, i felt the urge to write immediately after hearing the track and wrote the entire song in 10 minutes or less. The words literally just came to me in a rush of wind. so yeah, quickest song I’ve ever written 🙂
Production By: @_blakewright
Rainfall.
Rainfall is a redemption song, the war cry in a desolate place. It represents mercy and replenishment and how much it’s needed on earth. I have lived my life in grief over the loss of black men and women who have lost their lives due to racial wars and it tears me down at the thought of raising children in a world where no matter what they say or do they’ll always be judged by their skin. In a world full of pain, hurt and corruption, we need rain.
Production by: @lifeofjackred @dphelps94
Ode 2 Fear.
Fear is a lie. This song is about putting an end to everything connected to fear. It’s about canceling out every voice that speaks ill towards our identities so we can rely fully on the safety and truth of what we truly are and who we were created to be.
Production by: @lifeofjackred @dphelps94
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? © RAHKii
:: RAHKii ::
