In March of 2015, long-time respected member of LA’s hip hop scene, Ariano, connected with rising Portland producer Jade River to create their first collaborative project, Ink in My Eyes, a trap and sample-based EP merging the roots of boom bap with today’s sonics.

Four years later, Ariano and Jade River return with their undeniable musical chemistry to deliver their follow up project, Child Trapped in Poems. Although Jade and Ariano continued to work independently since the release of Ink in My Eyes – Jade dropped “Turn Off Your Phone” featuring the iconic 2Mex and a production project with the legendary Myka 9, while Ariano released multiple solo projects, including this year’s Fuck You, I Love You, Pay Me, along with a few collaborative projects with up-and-comers T.R.3 and Josh Dominguez on his Popular Nobody imprint – Child Trapped in Poems is a testament to how far the duo has come in their musical journey together.

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From the very first chord of the dreamy intro, Child Trapped in Poems sets itself apart from previous Ariano and Jade River collaborations. This project is laden with unfiltered, bass-heavy emotion where the production and verses crash in unison to create an album that gives the listener something to vibe out to while still being able to tap directly into real life and emotion. It’s music that anyone who has gone through the ups and downs of life can relate to. Tracks like “Are You There?,” a plea to the universe to show there is something greater than us out there, and “Tidal Wave,” an honest reflection of that feeling of giving up and letting go, expertly connect to the rawness of human sentiment in life’s darkest moments. “My Story” is a true, unflinching recounting of the highs and lows of chasing fame, trapped in the modern-day cycle of popping pills to stay on course in an industry that seems to want you to fail.

Ariano has never been known to shy away from cracking his soul open for the world to see and he continues to prove why he’s been a mainstay in the LA underground hip hop scene for over 15 years with songs like “Home” and “Forever,” which also see Jade River at his best. As fathers to young men, both Ariano and Jade lay themselves bare on these tracks, lyrically and sonically, in heartfelt messages to their sons. The sample-driven and live instrument production on “Forever” impeccably sets the stage for a message any parent can relate to – wanting your child to be a better version of you. “Home” continues on this theme, reassuring their sons that no matter what happens in life, home is where they can always turn to feel safe.

While these songs are heavy with naked emotion, not all tracks on Child Trapped in Poems draw upon elements of sadness or an aching soul. There’s hope and fight throughout this album as well. From “Through The Trap,” a story about three individuals, Ariano included, willing to do whatever it takes to break through their struggle, to “Every Time,” an anthem on never giving up regardless of the obstacles, Child Trapped in Poems draws on the triumph of the human spirit. “Exit Doors” is perhaps the most uplifting song on the album. Featuring Ariano’s long-time friend and collaborator, LDonthCut (DJ for Sublime with Rome), the track is filled with gratitude of a dream that provides for family. “No Longer” projects endless confidence in the knowledge that real hip hop is back, while “Hidden,” with its dreamy, out-of-space production rounds out the project with a declaration of freedom.

Jade River has taken his production to new heights and shows no signs of slowing down, while Ariano continues to give fans the lyrical poetry they’ve come to expect on Child Trapped in Poems. This album delivers a body of work that has a little bit of something for everyone, but no matter the musical taste, it is guaranteed to make the listener feel.