LOYLE CARNER: HALLMARKS OF HUMANITY

In the world of Loyle Carner, the human touch is always placed front and centre. Since his rise to stardom throughout the latter half of the 2010s, the South London rapper’s eloquent and introspective take on hip-hop has seen the 30-year-old cultivate a dedicated following, enamoured by his sincerity, confessional lyricism and sensitive approach in a world that increasingly seems to devalue vulnerability.

Channelling vulnerability as strength has been key to Carner’s success and appeal; his music serves as a conduit for us to remember that we are all human, we all make mistakes, and we can all offer good in a world that may tell us otherwise. From more reflective cuts on his 2017 debut Yesterday’s Gone, to the angst-ridden diatribe against institutional racism, knife crime and British society on 2022’s hugo, Carner has never shied away from wearing his heart on his sleeve and speaking on what he holds important through his craft.

Readying himself for the upcoming release of his fourth full length record, titled hopefully !, due 20th June, Carner is taking a different tact. Inspired by his experiences as a father of two, the album’s lyrical content proffers Carner’s ruminations on the joys of fatherhood set against instrumentals that nod to the musician’s passion for alternative and indie rock music, in a departure from his previous laid-back and jazzy hip-hop stylings. Borne from his experiences working with a live band while touring hugo, when Carner went back to the studio he decided to work more directly with the musicians that he had built a relationship with while on the road. Symbolic of Carner’s approach to penmanship, it’s clear that everything he does is rooted in relationships, how we connect with one another and how he connects to those around him.

Tapping further into this thematic mood, the cover art for hopefully ! beautifully depicts Carner’s sensibility as his artistic career continues to develop, mature and bloom. A candid image of father and child, overlaid with the touchingly abstract scrawls of childhood art classes, the artwork was actually shot by his four-year-old son; a fact gleaned through conversation with Carner’s creative director Mikey Krzyzanowski. Leaning into what makes a comfortable environment, Carner’s shoot with New Balance for END. has reflected the importance of child-like wonder that can be reignited through parenthood. Embodied through the pillow fort – an emblem of playfulness in childhood – this imagery becomes a metaphor for creating a safe space for yourself and your family: comfortable, soft and nurturing. Building on this theme, hopefully ! continues Carner’s tradition of self-reflection, this time creating a snapshot of himself and his familial relationships, forever honoured through the album’s 11 tracks. While continuing to build his loyal following of fans, you can’t help but feel that Carner’s creative output is purely for him and his family. A craft of commitment, recording a legacy for his family’s future.