From its funky soul opener, with its honest portrayal of a rapper dealing with the problems of modern life, to a folksy cover song finale, Highly Sensitive Person by Lamar Woods is a hip-hop album that asks listeners to open their minds.
With musical influences ranging from Childish Gambino to Bob Dylan and lyrics addressing topics like mental health, relationships, and even wild-caught salmon and wine, the album offers fresh perspectives on familiar sounds. On the title track, Woods raps over the “Oohs” of female backup singers, while a bouncy bassline and drum beat provide upbeat chill vibes. From his first line, Woods lets us know that this isn’t gangster rap—unless that gangster is Tony in the first episode of the classic show The Sopranos:
I had my first panic attack at 35
I thought I was gonna die like Ryan at the end of Drive
I passed out in the middle of my living room
Woke up 20 hours later
What the fuck I’m finna do?
…
I thought I had it handled
Until I started grabbing my chest like Tony Soprano
The TV reference isn’t surprising given Woods’ background as a writer for shows like Brooklyn 99 and New Girl. During the Hollywood writers’ strike, Woods used the unexpected free time to dive headlong into his long love affair with music. His lyrics were inspired by friends who told him he is a “highly sensitive person.”
Woods describes Highly Sensitive Person as an exploration of his own mental health journey. "I’ve dealt with panic attacks, being overwhelmed by other people’s emotions, and just processing all these feelings," he explains. The album reflects these struggles, offering listeners a look into his vulnerable side—a trait that’s often glossed over in mainstream hip-hop. Yet, Woods also finds space for playful and quirky observations in his songs, blending introspection with humor.
To create a live instrumentation feel, Woods collaborated with a variety of musicians—something increasingly rare in today's hip-hop. The album features saxophone solos, acoustic and electric guitars, and even a string quartet breakdown at the end of the third track, “Black Man in Tokyo,” which supports this refrain::
For my niggas with depression in the middle of summer
For my artists who fail but still fight for that wonder
For Woods, the release of Highly Sensitive Person is more than just putting out another album—it’s about positioning himself as a serious artist in the hip-hop community. "I want people to recognize me as a lyricist, not just a guy rapping about mental health," he says. His goal is to contribute to the resurgence of lyrical rap, offering a deeper connection to listeners who may struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, while also inviting them to engage with the music’s lighter, playful moments.
Woods isn’t slowing down. He’s already working on his next project, a folk-inspired album that will feature his singing and acoustic guitar playing. That folksy sequel is hinted at in the final track on Highly Sensitive Person, a cover of the Daniel Johnston song, “True Love Will Find You in the End.” The track begins sparsely, with Woods singing softly over an acoustic guitar, then kicks into gear with a “boom-bap” drum beat with a rap about true love lost: I thought I was afraid of commitment… Now I’m waiting for your text like an Amazon shipment.
With Highly Sensitive Person, Lamar Woods offers a fresh take on hip-hop, blending emotional transparency with the classic art of storytelling through lyrics. His fans—and the hip-hop community—will be watching closely as his musical journey continues.
.png)
