For the latter half of 2012, and leading into early 2013, Sol was away on a round-the-world trip as the lone recipient for the University of Washington Bonderman Travel Fellowship that allowed him to visit Ethiopia, India, South Africa, Brazil, Haiti and more. This, of course, was fresh off the release of his debut album, Yours Truly, that saw him reach #1 on the iTunes hip-hop charts. In what was a bittersweet series of events, Sol was to put the early stages of his blossoming career on hold to go on this extensive year-long trip. And though he left on a strong note (he sold out the Showbox Market in Seattle), there was no mistaking a mixed sense of emotion stemming from his sabbatical. Fortunately for us, and many others, it was only a short-lived hiatus, because midway through his trip, he decided to drop a cut from his EP entitled "Old Him": [do action="big-player-soundcloud" thepostid="13080" artist="Sol" title="Old Him" id="63509097" link="https://soundcloud.com/solzilla/sol-old-him-prod-by-the-zillas"/] [do action="quote-right"]Eyes Open is an acute, tightly knit storyline of Sol's introspective thoughts that course through the veins of immaculate production[/do] Sol's decision to travel, rather than focus entirely on his musical efforts, may have agitated some fans, but for the artist, it was all worthwhile. The priceless experiences gained from meeting the locals, immersing himself in new traditions, and transporting through unfamiliar mental and physical terrain through unbelievably late nights and early mornings enabled Sol to arrive back in the States with a fresh perspective on life and his creative positioning within it. And shortly after arriving home, Sol immediately went to work at the Ruby Room Studios in Seattle with his band (The Zillas: Nima Skeemz, Elan Wright & DJ Nphared) to churn out seven new tracks on the aptly titled EP, Eyes Open. [do action="big-player-soundcloud" thepostid="31886" artist="Sol" title="Tomorrow ft. Shayhan" id="107518011" link="http://soundcloud.com/solzilla/tomorrow-feat-shayhan"/] Eyes Open is an appropriately acute, tightly knit storyline of Sol's introspective thoughts that had kept up alongside him during his time away from home. The experience gained on his travels, and spirited production from his team has allowed for him to improve his talents across the board. From his writing and wordplay, to his speed and annunciation, the enhanced artistry is glaringly apparent. And, as confirmed on his lead single from the EP, "Jump In", Sol has never sounded better. Over the bouncy Zilla production, Sol provides us with some of his most memorable lines to-date. [do action="big-player-soundcloud" thepostid="29539" artist="Sol" title="Jump In" id="101273120" link="http://soundcloud.com/solzilla/sol-jump-in-prod-by-the"/] Eyes Open represents a transition and transformation in the life of an artist whom has identified what he has, and what he has to give. And It is with this EP that Sol will be able to pick up where he left off last June, continuing to build something special for his legacy, his fans, and the encompassing hip-hop culture. Eyes Open is out now on iTunes, and in case you're hesistant as to whether or not you should make the purchase, you can check out our additional highlights from the EP below. Also, make sure to catch him on his tour this fall, dates listed here. UPDATE: Stream all of Eyes Open HERE.
Sol