For as long as this writer can remember, Hip Hop has had an obsession with death. The great Masta Ace asked if it was because we were blessed with less. We still don’t know. But from Tupac conspiracies to killing rappers being how to get away with murder way before the TV show, it seems like the afterlife still has a certain allure.

For his debut album on Illect Recordings, Canadian poet laureate, DIE-REK, salutes and acknowledges The Dying Ones among us. Those who are fatigued and weary but have the will and zeal to complete their respective missions. However, there’s no need for slow singing and flower-bringing, because this fully self-produced collection of songs is about breathing life instead of death. From start to finish, one will be immersed in tales of the journey from valley to peak with poignancy and buoyancy. With a flow that sounds like a mix of the Caribbean and part cyborg from the future, DIE-REK showcases a style that is deep enough to cut to the root whilst still remaining palatable to the listener. Highlights include “Scars” where he observes that the stakes are “at an all-time high and the word is at an all-time low” but “God is good all the time I know”. These are the words of a wise man who has a gift of highlighting ailments but providing healing solutions at the same time.

Look alive and clap your hand to this. The Dying Ones is an insightful and invigorating listen.