Providence hip hop artist Jon Hope has been around the scene for a long time. For example, I remember when he was a fixture around the city during the late 2000s when Myspace was still a primary outlet for folks to listen to local music. A lot has changed in “The Creative Capital” since those times, but one of the few things that has stayed the same is Hope still ringing true with his poetic rhymes over a variety of different beats. His latest installment is the album “High Hopes”, which he self-released on February 20. While abiding by the hip hop aesthetic, Hope incorporates elements of R&B and soul while collaborating with an abundance of talented individuals.

This full-length record is Hope’s first release in seven years since his “Savage Beauty” EP came out back in October 2017. The messaging behind it centers upon personal evolution and having the mental wherewithal to know where you currently are in life while knowing where you want to ultimately be.

“‘High Hopes’ is finally yours”, he says in the liner notes. “I want these songs to be a vessel for you to see life further than where you currently are. Every word written was meant to show you a different perspective on growth and leveling up. Thank you for the support.”

Like I previously mentioned, Hope worked with a bunch of different artists to make the album a reality. Along with being the nucleus behind the tracks, he served as the co-executive producer while sharing that duty with the acclaimed sample maker DannyGotThatJuice. He also had the likes of Pawtucket R&B vocalist Toni T contribute to both the title track and “HND” while Boston soul singer Lisa Bello provided her talents to “Paint The Moon (Bluest Moon 2)”. Local rapper Israel Wusu is featured on the opening track “NIB (Nothing In Between” as well while frequent Sheek Louch collaborator Ragz Da Artist came in with Jackson, Mississippi artist Dolla Black for the song “3rd Shift”. There are many other examples of Hope bringing in other rappers and vocalists into the fold for “High Hopes”, but to know about those you’re going to have to give the album a listen.

To do exactly that, log on to Hope’s Bandcamp page at johnhopepvd.bandcamp.com and give “High Hopes” a stream and perhaps even make a purchase. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/JonHopePVD or on Instagram at instagram.com/JonHopePVD to keep tabs on what he has going in the future. For an in-depth look on Hope’s complete career inside and outside of music, check out his website at jonhopepvd.com. In the meantime, plug in, press play and give his new album a listen. It’s a fine blend of hip hop, soul and R&B with the lyrics keeping it genuine and real.