R-Kap’s transformative journey from fiery trap to soulful vulnerability shines in ‘Reciprocate’, an evocative ode to love and growth.
While R-Kap’s ‘Reciprocate’ and ‘Ruthless’ both start with the same letter and begin with the same instrument, the two years of progress in-between his latest and first single ushered in a stage of considerable artistic evolution for the young performer and composer.
While ‘Ruthless’ is full of dense bars and backed by a hard beat, fleshed out by R-Kap’s clean guitar chords, ‘Reciprocate’ uses the guitar to create a calm musical environment in which R-Kap gives thanks to a positive force of love, be it a partner or friend, while expressing his own self-doubt about his ability to reciprocate affection.
“You take all my problems…stop me from going insane”, R-Kap confesses in a velvety soul-inspired voice for the song’s chorus. “[You’ve] got me in a way better place”, he continues, “I’m hoping that I do the same”. Demonstrating genuine openness and vulnerability in catchy song form is a far cry from the macho bravado and punchy trap of R-Kap’s earlier tracks, such as ‘Back On The Rise’ and ‘Theme Park’.
While ‘Reciprocate’ features R-Kap’s classic trap elements such as subsonic bass and sharp hi-hats, lyrics like “what we have is sacred [and] can never be wasted” clearly show a deepened level of maturity. R-Kap’s older lyrics also demonstrate his insight and intellect as a rhyme-writer, but ‘Reciprocate’ avoids using any extraneous musical details to quickly get to the point of the song’s message.
Its chilled ambience is inviting from the get-go, while the deep rhythms that it quickly drops upon us keep us listening to the young solo artist’s unique perspective. Furthermore, what else is more ‘manly’ than fully opening up about your own sense of gratitude and sensitivity?
‘Reciprocate’ proves R-Kap’s expanding talent as a recent formidable force in Australian hip-hop and R&B. Encapsulated in an intimate listening experience that invites listeners to embark on their own journeys of romance and self-discovery, the single is an exciting sign of new directions for R-Kap to explore.
Review By Corin Shearston
