A Martyr's Reward | The Great Oxidation EP | Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3

Ka - A Martyr's Reward

For the friends of: Pink Siifu, billy woods, Rome Streetz
Genre: abstract hip hop
Year: 2021
Country: US
Favorite track(s): 'Everybody Up', 'P W H' and 'I Notice' 
Emoji: 🧘
Random words: Quentin Tarantino 

'Ka' is pretty distinctive rapper in many ways. His raspy voice and the pretty minimalistic beats creates a combination that you will rarely come across. Many of the tracks in this album has just few elements and this builds a certain feeling with a lot space in the songs. At points 'Ka's flow with the minimalistic beats feel almost like spoken word.

The challenge with the album is that all the tracks are so minimalistic that at some point I would wish slightly more to happen. In a way I wish I would like the album even more than I do since there is a certain brilliant thing going on which I respect. The whole album has also cinematic feeling. 

Khalab - The Great Oxidation EP

For the friends of: Jon Gurd, St. Germain, Bicep
Genre: dance music, afrofuturism, electro
Year: 2021
Country: Italy
Favorite track(s): 'Olivine', 'Neba' and 'Anaerobe'
Emoji: 🪁
Random words: jungle fever

Earlier this year 'Khalab' released one of the best albums of the year 'M'berra' which was made with Malian musicians from the M’berra Refugee Camp. 'M'berra' was experimenting and combining Tuareg music to electric production but this EP is much more straight forward dance music. Still it combines many elements that are familiar to the listeners of 'Khalab's previous works. There are multiple percussions used from different parts of the world which makes 'Khalab's music always interesting.

The new EP actually has a lot common to 'Black Noise 2084' released in 2018 which was also one of the best albums of the year. But it's not only the percussions and ethnic vibe that is well made, but the electronic production is always as perfect as a summer night with friends. At least for me 'Khalab's magic works very well and he has hypnotized me with his music. Hopeful to catch him live sometime somewhere!

Tkay Maidza - Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3

For the friends of: Little Simz, Chaii, Missy Elliot 
Genre: hiphop, modern R&B
Year: 2021
Country: Australia / Zimbabwe
Favorite track(s): 'So Cold', 'Syrup' and 'Kim' 
Emoji: 🦓
Random words: fruit salad

'Tkay Maidza' continues with the very same line with 'LYWW, Vol. 2' combining elements from more laid-back hiphop and r&b to more aggressive and darker tracks with hints of trap and electro beats. Even though she shines with both styles I would like to have slightly more unity between the tracks. Anyhow 'Tkay Maidza's rap flow is great and she I also like her singing a lot. Interesting to see what she releases next!