There are few independent artists with the experience, accolades, and formidable style of Bobby Acres, better known as ONE SON. On his latest collaborative effort with seasoned producer DJ Ty Infamous, he proves that his background as a voice actor, published author, and veteran performer has simply been preparation for this moment. Their eight-track album, ‘S.O.S. (Son of Sonny)’, is a slice of genuinely inspired, prophetic hip-hop that delivers substance over swagger, landing with a soulful punch that permeates the consciousness.
The project is driven by a deep, personal foundation. ONE SON himself explained the meaning behind the title, stating: "’S.O.S. (Son Of Sonny)’ is an ode to my father. His name is William, but his nickname is Sonny. The project is a reminder that we're all under construction, and to embrace the journey." This theme of personal evolution and honouring lineage shines through in every tenacious beat laid down by DJ Ty Infamous. Along with mixing engineer Douglas Rogers, the pair have forged a powerful sound, successfully blending the timeless art of rap with a positive ethos and classic R&B orchestration. It’s a triumphant merger of old-school hip-hop flavour and empowering lyrics.
The album starts strong with ‘No Filters’, a perfectly composed introduction that sets the tone. A spacious, gorgeously harmonic backdrop, complete with sweetly sung accents and bright vocal harmonies, contrasts sharply with ONE SON's textured beats and focused delivery. It’s immediately clear that this is an artist who appreciates the nuances of sound.
Leading single ‘I’m A Man’ then shifts the gears, adopting repeated, 70s-tinged melodic touches over pulsing electronic percussion. While the foundational musical metre repeats throughout the song’s duration, ONE SON’s dynamic, lyrical flow maintains high interest, consistently filling unexpected rhythmic gaps with unbroken, rhyming wisdom.
As the record continues, the quality remains consistently high. ‘Hammer Head’ offers a smooth, soulful cut imbued with cinematic vibes, perfectly showcasing the duo’s knack for atmosphere. Later, the piano-built ‘That Ain’t You’ is the ideal foundation for J75 to make a standout feature. Ultimately, though, it’s the expressive pairing of ‘Elastic Thoughts’ and ‘Blossom’ that gives the album its true expressive weight, offering a more vulnerable touch beneath the simmering lyrical energy. With the help of Congolese Starr, ‘Blossom’ ensnares the listener with a compelling R&B aesthetic, capping off a truly masterful project.
You can tune in to the new album above, and for more, follow ONE SON today on Instagram and Facebook.
