Hip hop music in Chicago is in a great spot. No longer are our ears subject to violent imagery, guns, and negativity. Chance The Rapper brought lush instrumentation, powerful subject matter, and quality rapping to the mainstream around the time of Acid Rap. People slowly caught on, but once it hit, the weight of Chicago shifted. We embraced Saba, Vic Mensa, and soul samples from Thelonious Martin. This is all I’ve ever wanted for the city, and the positivity has pushed onwards.

Ajani Jones has encompassed the spirit of the city, and made it his own. We featured his excellent debut EP Astrals on our list of favorite projects of 2016. We’ve all been waiting for a follow up; something to whet our appetite until his second project Eternal Bliss drops on May 12th.

We’ve finally got it with his newest cut titled Bliss. It’s the first single off of the project, released through Columbia College Chicago’s label AEMMP Record. It was premiered on 2 Dope Boyz just a week ago, and the response has been incredible.

It’s energized and autobiographical, with smooth production by Blookah. Harmonious background vocals come from Anna Agosta and Shao Doja, adding soulful optimism. I can’t wait for Eternal Bliss, and suggest you follow him on SoundCloud for updates on his music.