New Jersey-based rapper Rafayel isn’t holding back on his latest single, “Sedated”, a bold and unapologetic critique of modern hip-hop’s diluted state. Produced by VirkoSounds, the track is a high-energy, lyrically sharp statement that cements Rafayel’s mission to bring authenticity and depth back to the genre.
Featured on his newly released album, The Divine Son, “Sedated” is Rafayel’s official introduction to the industry—and he’s making sure everyone is paying attention. The track’s booming production and commanding delivery reject mainstream complacency, with Rafayel declaring his place among rap’s most authentic voices.
“‘Sedated’ is a high-energy record expressing rebelliousness against the current state of rap and hip-hop music and how sedated and watered-down it currently is,” Rafayel explains. “It’s practically showing everyone how it’s supposed to be done by a real artist.”
With VirkoSounds behind the boards, “Sedated” blends booming 808s, crisp hi-hats, and a relentless flow, creating a sound that’s as aggressive as it is intentional. Rafayel’s lyricism is front and center, delivering bars that cut through the noise of surface-level rap trends. His delivery is both braggadocious and uncompromising, signaling a new era of hip-hop that values skill over gimmicks.
With The Divine Son, Rafayel is making it clear—he’s not here to blend in. His fearless approach and dedication to lyrical integrity position him as an artist to watch. In an industry often criticized for its lack of depth, “Sedated” is a reminder that real rap isn’t dead—it just needs the right voices to bring it back.