LOUIE – Kenny Beats

As summer wound down, Kenny Beats has blessed us with one last surprise before we start the descent into autumn. This was an unexpected drop with such little fanfare preceding its release, but Kenny Beats needs no introduction. With this debut solo album/beat tape, Kenny flexes his production chops and gives us listeners a deeper insight into his personal style, unencumbered by the demands of another artist. Whilst still including production and writing credits from a host of big names including Remi Wolf, Vince Staples, Cory Henry and more, LOUIE feels like Kenny Beats distilled and crafted into a more intimate experience compared to his production for others.

There is a clear contrast between his normally ostentatious style present on his albums for some of the most pre-eminent rappers such as Denzel Curry, SL and Rico Nasty, and the sample-based, soulful production seen on LOUIE. Whilst still incorporating some of the trap elements that dominate his discography, he focuses on a modernised boom-bap production style with the drums. Kenny squeezes out as many slick transitions and exquisite ornamentation over almost every track, and the 33 minute run time means nothing gets overdone or feels stale.

Curated for the mood to flow from a more upbeat, sunny energy at the start to slightly more mellow and melancholy towards the end culminating in “Hot Hand” which has the most intricate baseline and spoken word style rap. Inspired by Kenny’s father being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the wide emotional range of the album is palpable. The atmosphere is noticeably different from bright, effervescent tracks like “Hold My Head” and “Still” to the more subdued, minor “That Third Thing” and “Rotten”. The final track “Hot Hand” ends with a chaotic energy echoing the start of the project but with those minor elements still present, which might be an insight into Kenny’s headspace after hearing such devastating news.

With a more personal edge to this project, LOUIE gives listeners a fresh lens to view Kenny Beats. The announcement he produced IDLES’ most recent album seemed like an indication there was more in Kenny’s vault than straight up trap and this album does not disappoint. The inclusion of live instrumentation, some impressively chopped samples, especially on “So They Say” and “Drop 10”, and some funky melodies are a distinct step in a new direction that could point towards a more varied soundscape for his future collaborations.

Song Of The Week: Time – Dreya Mac

Newcomer to the UK rap scene Dreya Mac has been blowing up recently on TikTok after releasing her track “Own Brand Freestyle” with FelixDa1st and Finch Fetti, however her own track “Time” is equally as good. Dreya’s style heavily involves trap infused with afro-swing elements but also introducing some more avant-garde instrumentation on some of her other tracks. “Time” features some murky synths, erratic trap style drums and hypnotic, hazy vocals over the hook, and combined with an extended off-kilter flow and themes of grinding in the industry but also enjoying life, Dreya’s discography is quickly filling up with tunes that could make her a name to remember.

Check out the track below!

September Playlist

Grey skies and rain are becoming the norm again as summer is snatched from us and we move fully into autumn. But don’t let the cold get you down and listen to the newest iteration of the playlist.

With UK rap hits from Nines, M1llionz and Blanco as well as the newest Song Machine track from Gorillaz and more from Joni Mitchell, Rina Sawayama and Noname, this month’s playlist is very uptempo and is sure to keep those winter blues at bay.

Check it out below.

June Playlist

With a regular summer not looking like it’s on the horizon, get some summer vibes going indoors with the latest playlist update.

With tunes from lesser known artists Chin and Snowsa, all time bangers from Peter Bjorn and John as well as deep cuts from well known artists like Denzel Curry and Anderson Paak, start getting the summer tunes ready at home.

Check out the playlist below and make sure to follow.

Song Of The Week: itkanbe[sonice] – Knxwledge, Anderson Paak

The combination of producer Knxwledge and multi-instrumentalist Anderson.Paak always produces magic. Their joint venture, NxWorries has produced one outstanding album and their reunion on this track picks up where they left off. Knxwledge’s use of samples makes him one of my favourite producers right now and this track is based on a laid back sample from 1970’s group The Edwards Generation is the backdrop for this mellow track. Anderson .Paak’s iconic sing/rap style gives this track such a warm atmosphere along with the layers of backing vocals and adlibs.

Check out the track below.