‘Paper Tigers’ is the second studio album by American musical artist Saf Ro released in 2017. The album explores the intersection of fear, freedom, and mass deception of those forgotten and on the fringe; Paper tiger is a literal English translation of the Chinese phrase zhilaohu (紙老虎). The term refers to something that seems threatening but is ineffectual and unable to withstand challenge. The album is an empowerment letter to those on the less fortunate side of the power equation.  Step one is to move past the Paper Tigers (aka the 6 ghosts of fear: Poverty, Criticism, Ill Health, Loss of Love, Old Age, Death) created in one’s own mind as well as those created by outside forces with the intent to deceive.   ‘Paper Tigers’ is the natural evolution from the 2016 debut Saf Ro album ’21 Days 2 Recovery’.  Whereas ’21 Days 2 Recovery’ dealt with overcoming of a bad experience, ‘Paper Tigers’ addresses what happens once you are on the other side of that experience and there is no one to blame.  All you are left with is taking responsibility for your life. "I am not going to fight the power of a system that was never designed for me to win.  I am going to fight to get past the paper tigers in my head and in the programming of outside entities.  Once I got past blame and took responsibility for my life, I found the incredible power of choice.  The choice to define myself in the present moment on my terms.”-Saf Ro This is the quintessential empowerment letter mixing the rock of Lenny Kravitz, the experimentation of Meshell NdegéOcello, and the songwriting of Van Hunt.  Saf Ro injected RnB and Dark Pop songwriting with the experimentation of Alternative Rock. Michael Wells (uncle of Norwood and Fish Fisher from Fishbone) mixed & mastered the album.  Michael Wells is to Saf Ro what Flood was to Trent Reznor or Susan Rogers was to Prince.  Saf Ro looks at Rock and Roll in a whole new way.  For those who prefer RnB, Jazz, and Hip Hop, this is Rock and Roll that even those tastes would get into.  Saf Ro does not fit well into any musical genre.  However, that should not be an issue for those who wish to listen to really good music.  The mood is quirky and upbeat and the lyrics are strong. Every song is unique and has an interesting subject that provides food for thought. Saf Ro's 'Paper Tigers' is a soulful journey into his alternative rock art, psychedelic, and electronic funk world. The content is very bold and translates perfectly across the diverse and unique musical arrangements which harness Saf Ro's Lenny Kravitz-esque vocals. This album is both forward reaching and still rooted in an era before Saf Ro was even born.  His lyrics are the truth. They are self-reflective and poetic. They tell stories in unconventional ways.  He is black and proud without ever mentioning race, yet his message is universal and relatable to a diverse set of people. There is no accurate description of these songs as they need to be experienced.  They are a soulful fusion of styles that evoke often overlooked or suppressed emotions. While listening, you feel like you are accompanying Saf Ro on a journey through the underground railroad leading to his personal freedom.  One can’t help but wonder where Saf Ro will head next now that he has ripped up his Paper Tigers. Personnel * Saf Ro– vocals, guitars, keyboards, drum machine, arranger, producer * Dezi Roussell – vocals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9) * Rod Webb – guitar (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) * Bikki Johnson – bass (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9) * Mark Wickcliffe – percussion (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 ,9)  * David Mastron – harmonica (8) * Jerika Madnick – album artwork * Saf Ro – album graphics & package * Michael Wells – mixing & mastering engineer