“This is my passion,” announces JK-47, aka Jacob Paulson, early into his second album. And at no point do we doubt it. After his near-breathless delivery on opener “Introspect” evokes the showstopping immediacy of freestyle, the Bundjalung rapper proceeds to follow up his 2020 debut Made for This with a suite of nuanced tracks about faith, family, culture, and country. North Coast producer Jay Orient helms every track, bringing a lush fluidity to the diverse network of vocal and instrumental guests from across Australia’s neo-soul, R&B, and jazz scenes. Gumbaynggirr rapper and singer Tasman Keith provides a smoother counterpoint to “Avalanche,” while Truwulway singer DENNI adds poignancy to the streetwise coming-of-age tale “Keep Ya Head Up.” Paulson’s work throughout echoes the conscious edge of veteran US rappers like Talib Kweli and Brother Ali while contributing his own Indigenous Australian perspective. He has a harder-hitting side too, unleashing such intensity of flow on “Lullaby” that the track lands miles away from its titular vibe. Yet just a few tracks later, he’s more sensitive than ever on the closing “Zuriel,” named after his young son and also reflecting on his own father.