SHANNON rapper God Knows is back on the music scene and making his mark as a solo artist with his latest single, ‘The Art of Alienation’.
Released on February 28, 2025, via Narolane Records, the track marks his first release of the year following his acclaimed 2022 EP ‘We Move The Needle’. As he continues to build on his already impressive career, this new release is a powerful statement of self-expression and musical evolution.
Known for his unique blend of Zimbabwean and Irish influences, God Knows has built a reputation as one of Ireland’s most dynamic voices in hip-hop. His work, which spans both his solo career and his role in the influential hip-hop group ‘Rusangano Family’, addresses themes of identity, belonging, and cultural connection. His 2016 album ‘Let The Dead Bury The Dead’ made history when it won the Choice Music Prize for Album of the Year, the first hip-hop album to receive this honor.
‘The Art of Alienation’ is a deeply personal track that explores the feelings of displacement and the search for identity that many immigrants, including God Knows himself, experience. Inspired by OutKast’s The Art of Storytelling series, the song blends God Knows’ introspective lyrics with vibrant beats, offering a journey of self-discovery. The track’s narrative is rooted in the town of Shannon, where God Knows has lived since moving to Ireland as a child.
He explains, “The track speaks of my journey as a first-generation immigrant from the first made-up town in Ireland called Shannon after the river Shannon. I explore the rich history that it holds and my trials grappling between my identity as a Zimbabwean and as an Irish man”.
The single marks a significant step forward in God Knows’ solo career, following his well-received EP ‘We Move The Needle.’ The 2022 EP introduced a fusion of African rhythms like amapiano and Zimdancehall, combining them with his distinct rap style to reflect his diverse cultural background. In ‘The Art of Alienation’, God Knows continues to weave together his Zimbabwean heritage and Irish upbringing, using his music as a tool to address the complexities of his identity and place in the world.
As a co-founder of Narolane, God Knows remains a pivotal figure in Ireland’s growing hip-hop scene, using the label as a platform to elevate emerging artists. His influence extends beyond his own music, as he plays an active role in mentoring and supporting the next generation of Irish talent.
God Knows has said that starting Narolane was ‘the most difficult but most rewarding thing’ he has done throughout his music career. He attributes much of his success to the lessons he has learned from being a founding member of the independent music label. “It has taught me that you can be in this industry and you don’t necessarily need a major record label behind you.”
For God Knows, music has never just been about making hits, it’s about telling authentic stories that resonate with listeners. From the beginning of his career God Knows has used his platform as an artist to detangle the themes of racism and sectarianism in Ireland and he plans to continue to do so. “I’ve realised now is the time to make noise, it is not the time to shut your mouth.” “As an artist I make art that’s supposed to disrupt, that’s supposed to evoke feelings of either ‘yes I’m with you’ or ‘I hate this guy’ and I am continuing to make the conscious decision to make art that impacts society”.
Fans who missed his debut live performance of ‘The Art of Alienation’ at Dolan’s in Limerick on March 1st will be excited to catch him at future performances. God Knows has promised that he has plenty more exciting releases planned for 2025. “Dolan’s is just a small glimpse of what’s to come. I’ve been sworn to secrecy by my tea, but look out for the next single because it’s going to blow your socks off.”
As God Knows continues to evolve as an artist, The Art of Alienation serves as a reminder of his unique voice and unwavering commitment to exploring identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience through music. His journey as an artist is one of constant growth, and with this new single, he solidifies his place as one of Ireland’s most influential and innovative voices in contemporary music.
