From making his own beats, to engineering his music, and creating the graphics for his records, rapper King Khy is a DIY artist with a lot of different talents, but how do the tracks on his new album King Me hold up?
By Graeme Smith
That question is quickly answered by the moody beats of opener THA KING. There’s an immediate sense of atmosphere created by its dark, unique style. The vocals are quickfire in the verse as they deliver lyrics that combine familiar tropes with some fresh imagery. There are, of course, plenty of pop culture references which makes the track feel very much part of the zeitgeist. It’s a strong start.
While certainly an accomplished rapper, it’s really the beats that set King Khy apart with his new album. He displays a range of style and influences across its thirteen tracks, from gangsta rap, trap, to old school hip hop. Each track rattles along urgently. Most are done within two minutes, but there is so much packed in each they demand multiple relistens.
Highlights include the moody and sultry Geek, the slow-burning, severe and introspective Champion, the woozy, disorientating and lo-fi It’s King Khy, and the ambient and experimental What’s Competition?
If you’re a fan of modern rap then you need to get KING ME in your rotation straight away. King Khy is hitting all the right spots with it, from his effortless rap style, witty lyrics and atmospheric beats. If you don’t consider yourself a fan of the genre, this album might just change your mind.
KING ME is out now and you can check it out below.