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A Lion Is A Lion is the latest LP from Cool Out Sun, the musical community centred around Sensible J and N'fa Jones. Both artists have been instrumental in shaping Australian hip hop through acts like 1200 Techniques and REMI. This album represents a turning point for the pair, and was created during a period of profound change—including Sensible J’s son's birth, their hiatus with Remi, and pandemic constraints. In this context the music became a therapeutic outlet. With 50 beats created in 50 days during lockdown, much of the album draws from this creative explosion, interweaving themes of renewal, family, and community.

Musically, A Lion Is A Lion bridges hip hop, Afrobeat, and roots music, blending West African rhythms with contemporary electronic elements. Grounded in live instrumentation, built on Sensible J’s MPC-driven beats and refined with soulful vocals, tracks like 'Sankofa' and 'Aunty Modu' delve into personal storytelling—reflecting on ancestry, loss, and life's cycles. High-energy songs like 'OHellYeh' and 'Asskin For More,' featuring Sampa The Great, celebrate communal joy, propelled by heavy 808s and infectious grooves for a sound system-ready experience.

Lyrically it's an introspective trip, with songs of self-discovery, legacy, and generational lessons. 'Slow Down Learn Fast' serves as a poignant message to their children—and themselves—on embracing life with energy and respecting heritage. N’fa articulates this intent: “We should never have to make ourselves less for others, or make others feel less in this world. Be polite and respectful to all, including yourself and your lineage—hence, A Lion Is A Lion.”

The album artwork—a visual metaphor for the circle of life—mirrors themes of love lost, love found, and personal evolution. Deeply rooted in cultural traditions yet forward-thinking, the album blends raw personal struggle with the joy of creative expression, delivering a work for deep contemplation, and deep dancefloor sessions.

For the chance to win a copy of this week's Album Of The Week, Triple R subscribers can enter here before Sunday 13 October 2024. We have a prize policy of 1 album per subscriber per month so we can share the love and make it fair for all!