The state of our nation, and world, has caused many to look inward, including Trip—to take careful stock of our hearts and commit to destroying the things that hold us back. Naturally, as with all crucial times in human history, great art has a way of emerging from the rubble.

The first single on The Waiting Room, “Too Cold” produced by GAWVI, is a melodic and bass-heavy anthem about the importance of boldness and standing firm in one’s faith. “One time for my soldiers/Two times for y’all that got that cross on y’all shoulders/We ain’t gon’ let the world mold us.”

“Clouds,” a banger co-produced by GAWVI and Dirty Rice, is easily one of Trip’s strongest and, suffice to say, catchiest releases to date. His voice and southern drawl coast over the piano and cracking drums like a rider on a swell. “That feeling when you’re walking in your calling/Ain’t no turning back, I’m all in/I ain’t finished just watch.” Songs like this serve to re-establish Trip as a singular force in hip-hop, a rapper who is as willing to share his doubts and uncertainties as he is his assurances. One of Trip’s biggest obstacles over the last several years has been his health, specifically his battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, which he doesn’t shy away from discussing. On “Longer” he digs deep, detailing the exhaustion and physical strain that his condition continues to pose on his life and work. Despite it all, Trip takes solace in knowing that his suffering is only temporary.

Then there are gems like the infectious Alex Medina-produced “Money Up” and the second single “Billion Years,” a worshipful cut that thunders with hope and features a massive hook by Taylor Hill. “A billion years ahead, this whole world will be nothing/There’s a joy that is coming, like the morning.”

The Waiting Room is Trip at his most self-actualized. It probes and prods; it’s fun; there is measured tension. It’s an artist operating at the height of his gift. Start to finish, the project has a soulful air—moody synths and chords and interesting key changes—that match Trip’s intensity and crisp delivery. His skill as an MC shines bright as ever, and once again proves his standing as one of the best doing it today. “It’s been awhile since I put some new music out,” Trip says. “This one is special and will hold people over until the next album. Rawness, real emotion, and a fresh perspective. Here’s The Waiting Room.”