Gyasi Ross (Submitted photo)

Most hip-hop albums don’t usually get pegged as gentle. Then again, most hip-hop artists aren’t doing what Pasadena, California, singer-songwriter Gyasi Ross (pronounced “jah-see,” according to his website) does. His 2015 debut EP, “If You Really Knew Me,” combines acoustic guitar- and string-laden arrangements with confessional lyrics that, while maintaining a flow akin to rap, are more often than not crooned in Ross’ silky-smooth, soulful voice. But “Gentle” doesn’t mean fluff: Ross tackles social ills and his own personal demons throughout while still keeping the themes uplifting and positive. Catch Ross between tour dates at the Astro Lounge on Thursday.

Gyasi Ross: 7 p.m. Thursday; free; Astro Lounge, 939 NW Bond St., Bend; astroloungebend.com or 541-388-0116.