Detroit-born Raee’n Roes Wilson, aka Angel Haze, has released a new track from their forthcoming album Back to the Woods. “Moonrise Kingdom,” whose title is a nod to director Wes Anderson’s 2012 film of the same name, has a sincerity that recalls “Love of My Life” and similar songs from their 2012 mixtapes, Reservation and Classick. It’s easy to venture that 2012 may have been an emotional year for Haze.
“Moonrise Kingdom” is the fifth track to be shared ahead of Back to the Woods and follows on the heels of “Babe Ruthless,” which carries a more aggressive tone and lyrics that skewer any haters. Much like Drake, Haze’s records have always balanced harder cuts with more relaxed tracks that give the artist room to breathe, sing, and reflect. The result is a dynamic sound that feels genuine, proving that despite their divine-like rapping prowess, Haze truly is human and has feelings we all can relate to.
Perhaps Haze had their heart broken in the woods, as they end the track with “I hope you learn to fall in love again/ I hope you find a love in your best friend/ Just know my heart is yours until the end/ I want you now forever, I’ll repent/ Baby, it’s a wild world for you.” Haze is not afraid to share their emotions, which might make them appear vulnerable but also able to persevere. “Moonrise Kingdom” mixes elements of hip-hop with R&B for a beautiful track that showcases Haze’s range. It may be too soon to start drawing comparisons to another “capital A” icon also born in Detroit, but stay tuned.
Back to the Woods is out on September 14. Listen to “Moonrise Kingdom” below: