Are You Okay?
Yung Yusuf and Sunkissed Child have teamed up for a deeply emotive track, "Are You Okay?", blending Lo-Fi Hip-Hop with Alternative R&B to explore the universal experience of living in uncertain times. The song speaks to the heart, addressing the emotional toll of worrying about loved ones in or connected to conflict zones. Through their collaboration, the two artists create a poignant soundscape that merges raw lyricism, soulful melodies, and a sense of urgency that is felt in the air today.
Yung Yusuf, the English-Palestinian rapper known for his vulnerability, unfiltered lyricism, and playful wordplay, takes center stage with his introspective bars that explore the emotional strain of caring for people in war-torn areas. His journey as an artist has been marked by his willingness to open up about the complexities of his identity, the fears that haunt him, and the internal struggles he faces daily. Yusuf’s shift from his previous persona, Yusuf Yellow, to Yung Yusuf is symbolic of his growth, and this track perfectly reflects that evolution. On "Are You Okay?", Yusuf delves into a deeply personal experience—the anxiety of constantly checking in on family and friends to ensure their safety, never knowing if they’re okay, but always hoping they are. His style is still unmistakable—an honest balance of sharp wordplay and unflinching introspection—but now, there’s a sense of maturity and emotional depth that permeates the track.
The beauty of "Are You Okay?" also lies in the way Yusuf’s emotive delivery is complemented by Sunkissed Child, a rising star in the UK Neo-Soul and Jazz scenes. Yasmina, who goes by the stage name Sunkissed Child, brings a whole different energy to the track with her soulful, smooth vocals that blend perfectly with the chilled-out production. Born in Beirut and now based in London, Yasmina’s sound is a beautiful reflection of her diverse cultural influences. Her fusion of Neo-Soul, R&B, and Middle Eastern elements adds a distinct texture to the track. It’s almost as if her voice carries the weight of the emotional connection that Yusuf is exploring in his verses—offering comfort, calm, and reassurance to listeners in the face of uncertainty.
Lyrically, the song is a conversation between two artists who understand the toll that constant worry and concern take on someone. The track feels intimate, like a message from one friend to another. As Yusuf raps about his deep-seated fears and the anxiety of living with uncertainty, Sunkissed Child’s soothing vocals offer a sense of relief, as if the reassurance we long for is just a call away. Together, their voices build a beautiful tension that mirrors the constant push-and-pull of emotions experienced when you’re far from home and far from those you love.
Sonically, "Are You Okay?" makes full use of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop’s trademark atmospheric sound, complete with laid-back beats and dreamy synths that evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. The production is calm yet intense—much like the song’s subject matter. It’s that feeling of wanting to be there for someone, wanting to make sure they’re safe, but being unable to do anything more than ask, “Are you okay?” The track captures the rawness of love and the deep emotional toll of living in a world full of uncertainty.
The track also highlights both artists' unique qualities—Yung Yusuf’s ability to combine personal storytelling with an almost playful lyricism, and Sunkissed Child’s knack for blending genres to create a sound that’s both familiar and fresh. As artists, both Yung Yusuf and Sunkissed Child have carved out distinctive spaces in their respective genres. Yusuf has been recognized for his boundary-pushing approach to Hip-Hop and his ability to balance deep introspection with sharp wit, while Yasmina has quickly become a standout in the UK’s Neo-Soul and Jazz scenes. Together, they’ve created a track that feels like an honest, heartfelt dialogue about the struggles of being away from the ones you care about, with music that serves as a comforting reminder that we’re not alone in our concerns.
“Are You Okay?” is a track that will resonate with anyone who’s ever experienced the pain of being far from home or feeling disconnected from the people they love. It’s a perfect blend of emotion, energy, and authenticity—a song that captures the fragility of human connection in a world where uncertainty is the only constant. For fans of artists like ELIZA, Joy Crookes, RUBII, and B-Ahwe, this collaboration is a must-listen. It’s the kind of song that speaks to the heart, and one that will likely stick with you long after the music fades. Yung Yusuf and Sunkissed Child have created something truly special here, making "Are You Okay?" a standout track in their respective careers.