Beauty for Ashes

Heesun Lee is a much needed voice in hiphop. Unlike the typical lyrics you bop your heads to, Heesun will surprisingly divert your attention to more diverse and challenging subject matters. She heavily discusses her own personal experiences of being a Korean American, an adoptee, a female, and a Christian. She has had to constantly fight her way through the box that society places her in, showing her listeners that she is more than a "label". One of the main reasons why a lot of fans stay close to Heesun is that she speaks on relevant topics that need to be addressed. Nobody wants to be stereotyped or put down because they were born a certain way. Heesun is bold in her beliefs and wholeheartedly raps about how she is going against the grain. Her 3rd full length album, "Beauty for Ashes," which is set to drop on October 14th, 2016 on all digital outlets, is further enhancing her credibility as an emcee. She named this album "Beauty for Ashes," quoting the Bible verse Isaiah 61:3, where it talks about how we were made out of ashes until God transformed us into beautiful. "A garment of praise instead of despair," which she mentions in one of her songs, in hopes to let the listener know how much they are worth. The album discusses topics on motherhood, the lack of "humble" artists, anxiety, being a police officer, and standing bold in your walk with Christ. She also mentions the refreshing transition from being a signed artist to going independent on this project. There is obvious growth and maturity! Overall, "Beauty for Ashes," is another eye-opener from this veteran, as she makes sure that no track was created without a message behind it. Heesun's production also has a variety of different sounds, from the hard-hitting trap beats to soothing piano hits. Those fans who are already familiar with her work will continue to be inspired and encouraged after hearing this album, and any new listeners will gladly want to hop on the bandwagon. Most female rappers these days are glorifying and focusing on the wrong messages, clearly steering their entire fan base the wrong way. Heesun Lee is light in the darkness, a much needed voice, and a refreshment to what most hiphop is making us digest these days.