Arno Faraji Goes Back To Basics On Debut Mixtape 'Return To Raji'

Arno Faraji has been blazing his own trail in the Australian hip-hop scene since his teenage years, when he became the first hip-hop artist to win the triple j Unearthed High competition in 2017.

And Perth (Boorloo) based Faraji only continues to go from strength to strength, growing not only his music catalogue but the accolades that come with writing, rapping, and producing your own tracks.

His latest release and debut mixtape, Return To Raji, is Faraji’s most impressive and expansive collection of work yet, and one that faced significant delay in production.

Originally slated for release at the end of 2022, personal struggles set this time frame back almost two years.

Faraji remains unfazed by the mixtape’s prolonged postponement.

“Such is life,” he says. “I didn’t feel I could present the project in such a wonky mental state. I took a lot of time out trying to re-centre myself, and I’m glad to be here but also wish it didn’t take so long to come back.”

This time off proved vital not only for Faraji’s health but also for the direction of his music. It allowed a much-needed breather after a whirlwind few years and provided the opportunity for Faraji to rediscover himself and his sound—returning to Faraji.

The mixtape’s title, Faraji says, “felt like a call back to my origin, and what inspired me to start rap.” 

“The tape name developed into something deeper; I’d end up going through a rough and hazy time in which I felt lost and uncertain about myself, and coming out of that, the title Return To Raji became about regaining a sense of identity and spirit. Looking at where I’ve been and where I’m trying to go, having a sense of confidence and direction reinstalled.”

The process of creating Return To Raji was, like Faraji himself, “transforming every second.”

“It really took going back to basics,” Faraji says of the production process, “respecting music for what I’d loved it for, being something artful, playful and expressive. Just making things to make things and enjoying the things I came across when I did to bounce back.”

“It was a humbling experience, but going through it made me appreciate all the little things and how random the process is. Just from ‘doing,’ I could sharpen and maintain and build on my creativity muscles.”

Faraji was not alone in rediscovering the fundamentals of his creative process. On the mixtape, he was joined by longtime collaborators 6abysix, Angusand, and Two Another.

“I’ve learnt a lot from them,” Faraji says, “they’ve all been a great help in where I am today for sure. I’m really glad they could be a part of the project the way they’ve been.”

“I go way back with 6abysix; we’re from the same suburb and actually met playing soccer in the park with some of the other kids in the area. It felt right to have him on the project - the track FXITH with him is actually one of the first I made on the project.”

While not the first track on the album (it’s seventh), Faraji flags LADY as the most challenging to make.

“It’s such a dope track but took a long time to let go of; it really stands out to me.”

But Faraji’s toughest creative battle was cutting down a shortlist of around twenty demos to make the final track list of thirteen. Faraji says, “Each of the tracks on the project stood out in their own way.”

“There were so many thoughts and layers that I’d had as I was writing each track. I loved how deep I thought about things and felt validated in my ability when I did. It was double-edged sword, though; sometimes I’d fixate on things so much, but that was just a symptom of caring. I’m glad to care.”  

Right now, Faraji is “still taking it all in” following the mixtape’s release.

“The reception has been so lovely. It’s been so special having people reach out and tell me what’s resonated with them.” 

Return To Raji is out now.