Hull-born rapper Chiedu Oraka unveils a new version of his standout track ‘Counselling’, this time with an orchestral twist, accompanying the announcement of the Deluxe Edition of his debut mixtape Misfit, which will drop on November 15th.
Known for his unflinching social commentary and grounded storytelling, Oraka’s artistry provides a crucial voice for the Black, working-class experience in northern England. The orchestral version of ‘Counselling’ is a reimagined take on one of Misfit's most impactful singles. The original confronts the traumas Oraka faced growing up and gives a voice to the often-silenced issue of Black men’s mental health. With the addition of live strings and orchestral arrangements, the new version heightens the emotional weight of the track, further emphasizing Oraka’s candid vulnerability. Speaking on the release, Oraka explains;
"You don’t often hear of many UK rap artists making songs with a live orchestra. I wanted the challenge, and believe it paid off. ‘Counselling’ is such an impactful song in itself, so creating an orchestral version has taken the track to a different stratosphere, both in meaning and sound. My vulnerabilities are laid bare, even more so than the original release with the lyrics standing out, almost unfiltered, against the strings.”
The orchestral release coincides with an already remarkable year for Oraka. The Hull rapper has performed on prestigious stages such as BBC Music Introducing at Glastonbury and supported CASISDEAD. He was also nominated for Best Newcomer at the Northern Music Awards, and he’s gearing up for his headline UK tour this autumn.
His music provides a potent representation of life in northern England’s council estates, earning him the title of “The Black Yorkshireman” and positioning him as a central figure in the UK hip-hop scene.
As Oraka prepares to embark on his UK headline tour, he continues to solidify his place as a leading voice in contemporary rap. His blend of social realism, cutting lyricism, and daring musical innovation ensures his status as an artist to watch on both the national and international stage.
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