Shane Eagle opens his fifth full-length project, AKiRA, with a prayer for others, but it’s the promise that follows which sets out the South African rap star’s vision for the album. “I took my face off the cover so you can listen to my soul,” he states on “MUTANT,” a minor-chord meander through his assured inner reflections. True to his word, Eagle’s contemplative lyricism completely foregrounds the record; delicately composed instrumentals serve as an accent to his clear tone and crisp diction, the words distinct against the unobtrusive production. Over mellowed-out trap beats and soulful vocal loops, Eagle digs deep into his own psyche—ruminating on the drive that sets him apart from his peers, name-dropping the inspirational figures that loom large in his world (from musical peers to Spider-Man), relishing in the gratification of honing his talents, and propelling himself to new heights. Quiet confidence can be rare in hip-hop, a genre that favors outsized statements and braggadocio, but despite his more subtle approach, there’s no doubting the scale of Eagle’s ambitions here. Even the album title—a nod to Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, one of the most influential manga artists of all time—speaks to his intentions. “So Lord I pray this instrumental touches souls/Please make them feel whole again, this world can be so cold,” he implores on “SHiRU’S iNTERLUDE.” In paying homage to his own heroes, Eagle has pinpointed the source of their greatness—the power to inspire others—and used it to unlock his own.