New York artist One Lovers, the musical project of rapper, producer, writer, and engineer Arjun Dhar, returns with his sixth independent album, God Talks With Arjuna. Blending experimental hip hop with jazz influenced production, poetic lyricism and intimate storytelling, the record explores themes of spirituality, identity and self-discovery.
Inspired by Paramahansa Yogananda’s text of the same name, the ten track album sees Dhar expand his sound with fuller choruses and more defined song structures while maintaining the raw, self recorded aesthetic that has become a hallmark of his work. Written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered entirely by Dhar, the project is a deeply personal statement from an artist who continues to carve out his own lane.
A standout moment comes with “Ordinary People,” featuring additional vocals from penelope*. The track offers an accessible introduction to the album, balancing reflective songwriting with one of its most fully realised arrangements.
One Lovers sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It began with writing. I was drawn to language, rhythm, and the way a few carefully chosen words could completely change the atmosphere of a song. Once I started recording as a teenager, music became the place where all of my interests could coexist: poetry, production, storytelling, humor, frustration, and memory. I have been releasing music for more than a decade now, and that initial fascination has never really left. I still approach each song as an opportunity to discover something I could not have expressed in conversation.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Artists such as billy woods, Earl Sweatshirt, MF DOOM, MIKE, AKAI SOLO, Armand Hammer, and Death Grips have influenced me in different ways. I admire artists who create their own language and build complete worlds around their music rather than simply following what is popular at the moment. I would love to work with MIKE, billy woods, Earl Sweatshirt, AKAI SOLO, and producers or musicians from jazz and experimental backgrounds. I am especially interested in collaborations that feel unexpected but remain emotionally coherent.
3. What projects do you have coming up, and can you give us any information on them?
My sixth digital LP,God Talks With Arjuna, is out now. It is a deeply personal record that brings together abstract hip-hop, layered writing, humor, anxiety, spirituality, and reflection. At the moment, I am focused on allowing the album to develop a life beyond its release date through visuals, press, performances, and thoughtful collaborations. I do not want to rush immediately into announcing another album. I would rather give this project the time and attention it deserves.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as abstract and experimental hip-hop rooted in lyricism. The production can move between warped soul, jazz, distortion, minimal loops, and more abrasive textures, but the writing is usually what holds everything together. I like songs that feel intimate and slightly unpredictable, where humor can sit beside grief and confidence can exist beside uncertainty. I want the music to reward close listening without losing its immediate emotional impact.
5. What is your proudest moment to date as an artist?
Completing and independently releasingGod Talks With Arjunais probably my proudest moment so far. It represents more than one album to me. It reflects over ten years of recording, releasing music, learning from mistakes, and continuing even when the response was quieter than I had hoped. Finishing a sixth project while still finding new things to say reminded me that longevity itself is an accomplishment. I am also proud whenever someone tells me that a lyric stayed with them, because that connection is ultimately what I am looking for.