The Prodigal Son

Released in 2020, The Prodigal Son represents the most significant sonic shift in Afroman's multi-decade career. While he built his reputation on stoner anthems and independent rap hits, this album is a dedicated gospel project. The tracklist is comprised almost entirely of traditional hymns and spiritual standards, including 'Eye on the Sparrow' and 'Precious Lord.' Musically, the album bridges the gap between classic soul-gospel of the 1960s and modern boom-bap production. The recording features prominent use of church organs, choral backing vocals, and blues-inflected piano. Critically, it serves as a testament to Afroman's versatility and his roots in the Black church tradition, moving away from the 'comedy rap' label to explore themes of redemption and faith. It stands as a unique outlier in his discography, devoid of explicit content and focused entirely on devotional themes.