God Knows Unveils Personal Debut Solo Album ‘A Future of the Past’

God Knows, a celebrated figure in the Irish hip-hop scene, has released his debut solo album titled ‘A Future of the Past’ through narolane records. This album marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s career, showcasing his evolution as a musician and storyteller. Known for his work with Rusangano Family, which won the prestigious Choice Music Prize in 2016, God Knows has crafted a collection that he describes as “the first chapter of a new book.”

The album features a standout lead single, ‘It’s Been A While’, which is a collaboration with his brothers. Godswill “Dreddy” Jonas lends his vocals, while the youngest sibling, Godwin Jonas, takes on production duties. In discussing the collaboration, Godwin noted, “It’d been a while since G had done a solo track and a Grime/Drill tune where he proves to the Irish scene and the world why he is where he is today.”

Dreddy added that the track aims to capture their dynamic live energy: “We wanted to have fun and give the energy that we get from the shows right back into music, turn up and have a mosh pit in the sound systems.” This spirit of collaboration is a recurring theme throughout the album, which draws on a range of influences from Zimbabwe, New York, Dublin, Shannon, and West Africa.

Expansive Vision and Diverse Sound

MuRli, the album’s executive producer, explained his role was to provide a “canvas wide enough to paint the truth as only he can.” He elaborated, stating, “Over time, as I lived with these songs, the work became about building a world around his story.” The album blends multiple musical styles and contains what God Knows describes as “albums within this album,” unified by his dedication to “collaborating, experimenting, learning new tricks and most importantly growing.”

As a co-founder of narolane records, God Knows has not only advanced his own career but has also played a significant role in mentoring emerging talents within the Irish hip-hop community. The collective has garnered international recognition, with coverage from major outlets including NME, NPR, The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times.

A Personal and Universal Message

God Knows is celebrated for his “vividly honest lyricism and electrifying energy,” a combination that has significantly elevated the profile of Irish hip-hop. Music journalist Nialler9 described his work as “one of the best things to come out of Ireland’s music scene in years.” Meanwhile, The Quietus emphasized that he “stands proudly at the helm” of this burgeoning genre.

While the album stems from personal experiences and pain, God Knows emphasizes that it was “ultimately made in freedom and love.” This duality positions ‘A Future of the Past’ not only as a deeply personal statement but also as a bold artistic progression for one of Ireland’s most compelling musical voices. The release of this album signifies a new chapter in his career, inviting listeners to join him on this transformative journey.