Hailing from Liverpool, KOJ is an up and coming British rapper who has plenty to say in his debut EP, Villain with a Conscience.

By Graeme Smith

From the gospel opening of PRODUCT OF THE STREETS, you can tell you’re in for something special from Villain with a Conscience. A moody, cinematic instrumental backs KOJ’s stream of consciousness delivery. The lyrics speak of being an outsider, and are deliciously delivered with a Liverpudlian twang.

A ROADMAN’S TALE OF HOME punches hard with some fiery bars while LOVE MONEY DRUGS smoulders with undertones. SINTERLUDE cuts deep with an atmospheric, introspective moment.

Title track VILLIAN WITH A CONCSCIENCE is the EP’s turning point, giving us confessional lyrics and a reluctantly hopeful, piano-led instrumental. According to KOJ, the track “represents a journey through many worlds.”

“Whilst I’ve had the ability to exist in these varied realities,” he goes on, “none of them truly felt like my own, a place I could be my authentic self. So this song stands as the moment I decided to take a leap of faith into my own world, the real world.”

A REMINDER closes the EP in bright style, pairing lively samples with cathartic, nostalgic lyrics.

KOJ is a rising star on the UK scene, making appearances at major festivals and heralded by BBC Radio 1Xtra among others. This debut EP cements his reputation as one to watch.

Villain with a Conscience is out now via Interval Records under EMI North. You can give it a listen below.