Trek Manifest Explores Grief in Live Album 'Tosca's Boy Session Part 1'

The Columbus rapper's new live album is the first in a planned trilogy that chronicles his journey through the stages of grief.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Trek Manifest's new live album 'Tosca's Boy Sessions Part 1' captures the Columbus rapper's raw and emotional performance at Natalie's Grandview in October 2025. The album, the first in a planned trilogy, features Manifest working through his grief over the unexpected death of his mother in 2019. Songs like 'Own' find Manifest venting his anger and frustration, while other tracks like 'Come In' and 'Chasing After You' offer moments of healing and spiritual reflection.

Why it matters

The live album provides an intimate look at Manifest's grieving process, which he has been open about sharing through his music. By performing these deeply personal songs live, Manifest is giving listeners a chance to join him on his journey through the stages of grief, offering solace to those who may be experiencing similar losses.

The details

Ahead of the Natalie's Grandview show, Manifest spent hours practicing his songs on a treadmill to improve his breath control. This technical mastery is evident in the album, with Manifest delivering his lyrics with precision and clarity. The set list focuses on the tracks Manifest wrote in the aftermath of his mother's death, including the gut-wrenching 'Own' in which he recounts the day she passed. Manifest is supported by a trio of backup singers and a pared-down version of his Aye-1 Band, who help guide the audience through the emotional journey.

  • Manifest's mother passed away unexpectedly on his birthday in October 2019.
  • The Natalie's Grandview show was initially planned to take place on the sixth anniversary of his mother's passing, but Manifest opted to push it back a week to preserve that day for himself.
  • Tosca's Boy Sessions Part 1 was released on Bandcamp earlier this week and will hit streaming services on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Trek Manifest

A Columbus-based rapper who is exploring his grief over the unexpected death of his mother through his music.

Deron Sutton

The drummer in the pared-down version of Manifest's Aye-1 Band that performed at the Natalie's Grandview show.

Joshua Lyles, Sr.

The keyboardist in the pared-down version of Manifest's Aye-1 Band that performed at the Natalie's Grandview show.

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What they’re saying

“That song is one I'm always going to perform. It's an intention, like, I'm going to do it, and I'm going to discuss it. I know there's someone else out there going through it. So, trust me and let all your tears out, because I'm right there with you.”

— Trek Manifest, Rapper (matternews.org)

“The idea [for the live album] came from wanting to give myself clarity and the opportunity to grieve onstage. It's probably me overthinking, but there were times I felt like, 'Man, I'm always talking about my mom. I'm always grieving.' And the reality is there's no timetable on it. … And Tosca's Boy Sessions is really just a way for me to tell the story of how I'm doing, what's going right, what's going wrong, and then how I'm moving forward.”

— Trek Manifest, Rapper (matternews.org)

What’s next

Tosca's Boy Sessions Part 2 and Part 3, the remaining albums in Manifest's planned live album trilogy, are expected to be released in the coming months as the rapper continues to process his grief through his music.

The takeaway

Trek Manifest's raw and emotional live album 'Tosca's Boy Sessions Part 1' provides a powerful and intimate look at the grieving process, offering solace and solidarity to those who have experienced similar losses. The album's blend of technical mastery and deeply personal lyrics underscores Manifest's commitment to using his music as a means of healing and self-expression.