Archive for May, 2018
[Album Stream] Tona – Black Mirror
T.dot underground hip-hop mainstay, Tona, also of Freedom Writers and Naturally Born Strangers fame just dropped his latest album, Black Mirror a couple days ago. He had this to say about it (sic):
“BLACK MIRROR” has been officially released. The album is a collaborative effort entirely produced by Electronic & Bass producer “MEMORECKS” who has produced for the likes of; Zeds Dead & Jenna Pemkowski. The title “BLACK MIRROR” has been based around showing a different part of ourselves. The part we often hide that makes us vulnerable. The Black when all the televisions, computers, and cellphones are turned off says Tona. The Album features; Toronto up and coming phenom songstress Savannah Ré, St. Lucia native, Kayo as well as a product of the United Kingdom producer/rapper Skripture. The overall project is what happens when you merge a Scarborough man with a abstract Akai-Pro scientist.
We will say this: he’s not off the mark with that description. He’s definitely not content to just rest on his spit bars, underground hip-hop laurels on this album. He explores a variety of sounds from an electro latin-afropop hybrid on single, “War Child”, baile funk on “Gold” and grime (something he also dabbled with on his last album, The Ivy League) on “Slide” to broken beat/deep house on “Tomorrowland” (a shameless play to get a booking on the festival, perhaps?), a nice homage to Weezy‘s “A Milli” on “Notice” and even emo-influenced vibes on “Wide Open.” Now that might sound crazy kitchen sink but, somehow, he makes it work. This totally sounds and feels like a cohesive body of work.
We’re of the opinion that Tona does not get his full due. Besides becoming more open to exploring new sounds and styles and not just playing it safe which each new project, he has a great voice, skills and legit songwriting chops. Will the people appreciate and embrace the creative growth though? Time will tell….
[Album Stream] Witch Prophet – The Golden Octave
Just out from Toronto’s Witch Prophet (also known to some around The 6ix as Ayo Leilani), this is a really good album. To our ears, it’s kind of like a mix of 90’s UK singer, Nicolette mixed with FKA Twigs with a little bit of Rosina of Toronto’s LAL too.
[MP3 + Music Video] Kris Wu – Like That
Kris Wu offering up more evidence that lays waste to the notion that credible hip-hop can only come from the US?
Previously on the Kitchen:
– Kris Wu – Deserve Feat. Travis Scott [Music Video + MP3]
[MP3] Jesse Saint John – Fake It
2018 LA pop vibes….
[MP3] Hit-Boy – Clocked In Feat. Rich The Kid
Producer, Hit-Boy was that dude a few years back. Do he still got it though?? Let us know your thoughts…