London, UK – Rapper and mental health advocate Shocka is set to release his much-anticipated album, “Vulnerability Is The New Cool,” on October 10th, 2024, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. The album, which fuses conscious rap with pop, aims to break the stigma around vulnerability, particularly within the Black community.
The album was recorded over four years with producer and close friend Otis, beginning in 2020. It represents a long and personal journey for Shocka, who dedicated years to perfecting the project with a trusted collaborator.
The album’s inspiration stems from a desire to address the mental health struggles faced by Black men, Shocka explains:
“I did an Instagram Live, and the women mentioned how many Black males were being sectioned and the suicide rates. I thought, ‘How can I decrease that number by just 1 percent?’ Vulnerability helped me, and I thought, if I can express that through music, people might find it cool and feel comfortable expressing themselves too.”
The lead single, “Good Time,” takes on a lighter tone, reflecting on the balance between music and personal life. Shocka addresses the questions he frequently receives about settling down and embracing other aspects of life beyond his music career. The track is a fun and upbeat reminder to take a break and enjoy life.
Based in Tottenham’s Broadwater Farm, Shocka’s sound is heavily influenced by the music he grew up with—artists like Heartless Crew, Kano, and Wretch 32. He describes his genre as conscious pop, blending powerful messages with pop-driven choruses. Inspired by Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, 2Pac, and Nas, Shocka’s music reflects his own experiences.
Shocka’s journey from grime collective Marvell to becoming a mental health advocate has been transformative. He has won two mental health awards, including Best Storyteller, highlighting his passion for sharing meaningful stories through his music. Although he hasn’t yet received any music awards, he remains optimistic and driven to continue his artistic growth.
For Shocka, music is more than just creative expression—it’s a way to heal and connect with others: “Music can heal people. I never know whose life I’m saving with a song, and that inspires me to keep going.”
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