Melodic rap thrives on artists’ readiness to bare their soul in their music. For Vancouver’s Kojo Kay, that emotional core must also be augmented by a production process where the artist is heavily involved. That’s why he’s quite hands-on when creating music — his planned debut mixtape, TONEBOW, is self-produced.
Kojo has already served up some of the songs that will make up that upcoming tape, packing the latest batch into a 5-track emo rap EP titled THIS DOESN’T FEEL GOOD BEING STUCK HERE IN THE SAME SPOT 🙁. Thematically, these five songs are designed to express a desire to overcome obstacles and move forward.
Born to Ugandan and Ghanaian parents, and raised in Canada, Kojo’s music blends the various influences he’s picked up with his heritage. This new EP is really immersive. I love its dreamy, atmospheric texture, which is further reflected in the cover art.
“THE BOYS ALL WENT TO JUPITER” and the harmony-filled second track, “UNDERWATER FIRE”, start the EP on a pensive mood, with Kay reflecting on growth and change. The third track retains the moody introspection but feels a little bouncier.
The last two tracks are even more upbeat. Kojo successfully spins the narrative to a more positive one — on “OVERTUNE TO SOMEWHERE” in particular, he finds love and the necessary inspiration that he hopes will propel him forward.
As release, this EP excels in its objective of previewing the planned mixtape. Even more impressive is the artist’s embrace of vulnerability in the pursuit of growth. For an artist of his age, that is commendable.
Follow Kojo Kay: Instagram.
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