RAINING BEFORE SUNSHINE

By By Shekah

With “Rain Before Sunshine,” we’re starting to see more of a focus on storytelling; Frannie EL, Fashawn, Dray Taylor, Kria McKenzie, and Decksterror, a collaborative effort with multiple MCs, aims to put us in the mind of the uncompromising emotional reality of determined perseverance, the interconnected reality of all the collaborators. They are also connected with the prolific Big O, one of the few authentic hip-hop producers of the current era, and also a talented composer and producer of several styles, who is based in London. With “Rain Before Sunshine,” L.O.U. continues a strong tradition of hip-hop, emotionally driven storytelling. This is the defining quality of the genre, and, quite often, it’s what is primarily overlooked with each new up-tempo and loud, busy beat-driven single. With this new single, we are also seeing the resurgence of a genre-defining characteristic of the genre: the emotionally driven storytelling of the MCs.

As a frame for the powerful storytelling of the collaborative MC effort, we see the majesty of the Big O production. The production is not only narrative, but it is also intensely rich, and it converges the present with the Golden Era of hip-hop, with a modern, future focus of hip-hop. There is a hip-hop storytelling element that is reinforced in the instrumentation that supports the lyrics and meaning. There is a deliberate effort for the listener to appreciate the craft and the thoughts of the MCs instead of letting the vocals become White Skule D.

The evocative quality of Kria McKenzie’s voice is one of the most noteworthy facets of the song. McKenzie’s emotive rendition of the song’s hook acts as a melody around which the listener’s heightened focus of the song’s emotional center is the radical addition of McKenzie’s rendition. The combination of the influence of the gospel, jazz, and modern soul strands of music, McKenzie’s voice warms the listener and is a pleasing, stylistic addition, as a contrast to the gritty vocals of the Rapper’s verses. McKenzie’s hook is a stylish hope addition to the song as it passes on the hope of the song’s primary message, that after every storm the sun must shine.

The song as a whole is centered around authenticity. With respect to perspective, emotion, and vulnerability, the lyricist of the verses, Fashawn, a rapper from the West Coast, includes character and introspection, and pairs it with wisdom as a reflection on struggle, the loss of endurance, and the hope that is evoked by the grinding of the inner essence. The collection of the verses and the layered emotion of the loss from the ‘Pursue to Soul’ Harris and Mother El, closes the reality of the struggle toward emoting the hope that is an end. The lyricism is good, and it caused introspection in the audience, connected the pieces of the song, and caused empathy toward the emotive stream in the song.

The metaphor of rain meaning hardship, and sun meaning optimism, is executed well, despite seeming simplistic. Each verse emphasizes that struggle isn’t merely an inconvenience; it is a vital necessity for evolution. This is an idea that is certainly appropriate for the current era, as it seems that the majority of audiences gravitate towards art that is honest about the complexities of life and direct about encouragement. In that regard, “Rain Before Sunshine” is not merely functional; it is also the fuel of optimism and empowerment. There is no doubt that L.O.U. and his team have made a record that possesses a kind of timelessness in both its sound and its message. This track manages to unite multiple generations of hip-hop by fusing old-school production with new-style modern and soulful music. With The Mystery of Mr. Y.N.M.A.S. on the horizon, this single is a great snapshot of what is to come. If you appreciate deep and emotional music, “Rain Before Sunshine” is certainly an experience that is worth your time.