Kwasi, the rising alternative hip hop artist from Melbourne, finally released his debut album. Outstanding MISFIT finds the Ghanaian-Australian showcasing his punk-fueled hip hop style (he co-produced much of the album).

The combination of pulsing drum beats with textured guitars creates a sense of unpredictability throughout Outstanding MISFIT.

A dark, emo vibe engulfs the album. The vulnerability stems from Kwasi’s soul-baring lyrics. His alter ego ‘the MISFIT’ is effectively pushed into the foreground. In essence, this album is the story of an underdog trying to stand out.

The first few songs give off a somewhat exultant energy. I love how the fun-loving album-opener “KAMIKWASI” has Kwasi flaunting his impeccable rap flows.

Aggressive yet crisp drumbeats dominate the anthemic “LIT!” as well as the manic “UPPERS!”. And it’s amazing how the song “BREATHE” laces club-ready beats with alt-rock guitar melodies.

Starting with “Motions”, the next few tracks are deeply rooted in emo territory. Still, Kwasi gets to flex his musical versatility. I love how “Ready to Go” beautifully balances bleak lyrics with boisterous energy.

While “POISON”, “empty”, “Tears & Toyotas” and “Hot Mess” maintain the emo vibe already established, “Room Full of Broken Hearts” locks into a groovy pocket.

“On Everything” then closes the album on a more upbeat tone. This is perhaps the vibiest, most replayable of the fourteen songs that make up Outstanding MISFIT.

With this album, and through his “misfit” alter ego, Kwasi reminds us that contradicting aspects of ourselves can coexist. We just have to embrace the good and the dark, the joy and the pain, the triumphs and the failures.

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“I don’t think the story ends with everything figured out, because I definitely haven’t figured everything out,” the artist remarks. “I think I’ve just become more comfortable with who I am, and maybe with the idea that I don’t need to fit perfectly anywhere.”

Follow Kwasi on Instagram.