Evidence’s “Unlearning Vol. 2” showcases real artistry and deep lyricism.

Evidence, rapper and producer from Los Angeles and member of the legendary Dilated Peoples (alongside Rakaa and DJ Babu), returns to the mic with a new, outstanding album. Unlearning Vol. 2, released four years after the first volume, once again proves that Ev possesses one of the sharpest and most introspective pens in the game. With his smooth flow, he delivers deeply personal reflections and sharp observations of the world, always from a sincere artistic and human perspective.

Graffiti writer never dreamed to be famous
The goal was that they never knew the face, not being nameless
Aiming for a target, if I didn’t hit it, shameless
In the rain, I never read the rules to what the game is”

Evidence – Different Phases

His rap is not only marked by refined writing and an impressive ability to weave rhymes naturally, but also by a rare authenticity and humility—traits that have made him one of the most underrated, yet most respected, artists in hip-hop. But perhaps that’s exactly how Evidence prefers it: what drives him is a genuine love for hip-hop culture (with many references to his past as a graffiti writer) and the respect of his peers, not mainstream validation.

I’m not here for a seal of approval
My name is in permanent paint with no removal
I’m about to tell em that they should get to stepping
I’m here to feed my bubble, if not, I get the weapon
I’m getting what I need and greed’ll lead to trouble
That leads to the kid stressed out and seeing double
Nothing came from being subtle
I’m a leader, nothing came about from being humble

Evidence – Seeing Double

Evidence has long reached full artistic maturity, along with the self-awareness to create music that reflects his own taste and sensibility, without making compromises. This approach is clearly reflected in the care and refined ear he brings to beat selection, true sonic canvases on which he paints his verses. The producer credits are top-tier: The Alchemist, Beat Butcha, Conductor Williams, Graymatter, Sebb Bash and Ev himself craft the soundscape of a record that feels cohesive and intentional from start to finish.

I used to tag Vane, but wasn’t about vanity
Shady city, sitting under sun without a canopy
Under the gun, don’t know what plan is B
Take my shot, didn’t see me shooting shit up candidly
Take my spot? Only quit it if I’m playing randomly
Make a plot, nеver didn’t kill it, still a fan of me
Myself and I arе still impressive
A decent character, the judge that fell for lesser

Evidence-Define Success

Unlearning Vol. 2 should serve as an example, not just for fellow artists, but especially for A&Rs and artistic directors, of how to craft a rap album as a solid and inspired body of work, free of fillers and far from the logic of directionless, identity-lacking track collages, without any message.Unlearning Vol. 2 is definitely a strong contender to be one of our favorite albums of 2025.