Recently, it seems as though artists are finally coming to terms with the fact that they can’t lead the exclusive and extravagant lifestyles they once indulged in as if the self-isolative routines have made peace with the inner cogs in the creative machine. While some might call it depressing and lonely, I think it allows artists to experiment with out-of-the-box ideas they had in their closets. As if the insecurity of the outside world has faded away because all there is – at least right now – is the inside world.
About a week ago I was scouting and lurking around on Twitter. While I was retweeting random threads and looking for artists, I stumbled upon KXRIUKI: an 18-year-old rapper from Houston, TX with the best Earl Sweatshirt/Knxwledge vibe to his music I’ve heard in a long time. His only project: NEW ERA (released on the 19th of June) has been on repeat ever since it dropped in mid-June. It’s a perfect mix of jazz, muddy acoustics, monotone rap delivery and Kanye-esque production style.
Before jumping into the album review, I was able to ask KX a few questions about his inspirations, aspirations, and general opinion on the modern-day rap scene:
Hey man! I loved your project and wanted to ask you a few questions! Could you give a quick bio about yourself?
I’m from Houston TX, originally from NY though. my biggest inspirations music-wise is Earl Sweatshirt’s poetic lyricism and Knxwledge's lo-fi production. Overall my biggest influence is Kanye West, giving me the confidence to do anything I want.
Yeah, your EP really shows off all those sounds that you expertly pulled off! Kudos to you on that for sure. What are you trying to do with your music? What’s the thought process behind it?
With my music influence, I just wanna show more insecure and indecisive kids like myself that they can do whatever they want to.
Is that because you’re 100% self-made? Is it all off the dome and at the moment?
Yeah! Its all me bro. I do my own production and write my own lyrics. I’m sick of folks not being real with their art. Art needs to reflect the artist.
That makes sense; people need to see themselves in their art. Does being self-made speak on a person’s work ethic to you?
Not even the work ethic, just a reflection of them. Their story, their character, etc. I just believe the BEST way of doing that is by being mostly self-made.
I see that makes sense! Could you talk about the songs on the EP? What do they all mean?
NEWERA. (title track) means exactly what it’s named. it’s a new era for me as a person, I just recently graduated high school, I’ve adopted plenty of new ideas and morals as a person, and most importantly time to go harder than ever as an artist. it’s a NEWERA. For KXRIUKI.
The 2 middle tracks represent my duality. more present on ENVYME//stolenmoments, the first half is me celebrating myself and all the great things I know I’m capable, but the stolenmoments half is me recognizing my downsides, and the demons I face daily.
Even the capitalization shows you which track means what. NEWERA, HIGHMILEAGE, and ENVYME (all caps) is me talking about my greatness and where I’m GONNA be, but dummy, stolenmoments, and selfmade is me recognizing my past and the things I faced to get here.
Oh, interesting! So you set up the EP to contrast both sides of your psyche and growth as a person and an artist?
Exactly that!
I like that a lot dude; I noticed that there are a lot of jazz influences with the samples and beat you have going on in the background, is that how you’re abler to put emphasis on specific lyrics and stories?
I feel like jazz-influenced production is the best way to get my point across. Softer tones=more attention to what’s being said.
Awesome dude! Thank you so much for taking the time and responding to these questions! I can’t wait to hear more from you soon!
Anytime bro! Thanks for the interview!
That concludes the interview segment of this article; time for the review.
This EP is very short but very sweet. With only 4 songs on here (6 if you’re following KX’s explanation of the two middle tracks), I think he was truly able to drive his point across regardless of record runtime. First off: NEWERA is a great introductory track to the overall vibe of this record with the psychedelic, muddy, and oversaturated vocals layered on the smooth jazz/elevator music sample in the background. The lyricism is on point with this track, explaining the disparity within the rap scene in general and elaborating on how KX is going to rise above the competition, starting his own new era. While some listeners might get a little bored of the monotone delivery and just chalk this up to be a mediocre Earl impression; I urge you to keep listening. The title track doesn’t do this record enough justice as it just sets you up for a vibe right after it.
HIGHMILEAGE//dummy is one of two tracks that shows the stark contrast of style and flow that KX can flip flop between with ease. The track starts off with a swooshing harmonic backdrop and booming bassline with an off-beat drum pattern as well – in layman’s terms – in blend between funk and jazz. Coupled with another Earl delivery, KX talks about his successes and how he’s finally feeling his music while also reminding himself of the challenges he’s going to face as an aspiring artist. As soon as you think the song is over, KX switches the beat to a slow jam-style beat with dreamy vocals coating the track with a layer of mystery and ambiguity as the phrase “don’t try to play me” is repeated till the end of the track.
ENVYME//stolenmoments is the BANGER of the EP. KX goes much harder on this track than the previous ones, calling out all the fake artists out there complaining about his music and production when - in reality - they’re just too prideful to just vibe with it. This is where the Kanye influences show their true colors as the production is bouncy, the melody is a very sweet piano groove and the 808s are loud and bumping.
And finally, the last song on this mini collection of mastery in art is selfmade. KX raps about how everything he’s made has been entirely by his own determination, design, and ambition to rise above the competition and secure his spot as a household name without asking anyone for a favor or support. While support is always good to ask for, the dependency on it can stagger a creative. This fantastic part of lyricism is complemented by a jazz/big band ensemble sample in the background, littered with a few piano chords to add a sparkly, silky smooth harmonic line in contrast with his own voice.
All in all, while I think KXRIUKI has something he might want to work on (differentiating in his sound-sphere, simplifying his sound by making the background sample less busy and an overall revaluation of his rap delivery), I believe that – for a first EP – this is a stellar piece of music that is radically under-appreciated and unheard of. In short: a solid 7.5/10 on my scale, a definite must-listen-to those that are fans of Earl Sweatshirt and a great start that paves a positive outlook for KX’s future as an artist!
Thanks for reading, folks! Make sure to wear your masks and stay safe! Even though lockdown restrictions are being lifted gradually, that doesn’t mean you get the liberty to do the things you used to do pre-lockdown, so be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you.
Big shout out to KXRIUKI for coming on and interviewing with Nefarious Supply, if you enjoyed this interview and want to stay up to date with him be sure to follow him on Instagram and check out his Soundcloud (above) to listen to the rest of his discography.
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