Citizen Kay – Yes! EP (14/06/2013)
From Canberra, Australia, explodes the debut EP 'Yes!'; from aspiring MC: Citizen Kay.
During a recent interview Kay explained “I want to be known for my versatility”. Yes! is a great example of Kays dedication to this ideal. We get off to a flying start with the bouncy and catchy title track. It's brash cocky and unashamed lyrics are typical of the big names of current hip hop. These lyrics are accompanied by a funky beat and addictive hook that brings everyone together and screams “dance and have a good time!”
If you were expecting more of the same, prepare to be surprised. From the bright and loud title track, Kay takes a more serious note with his second two tracks with deeper lyrics and a stronger message emerging from his words. The one constant is a catchy melody and hook which leave you asking for more.
The track Give Thanks gives you the sense that this is the most important or possibly, Kays favourite track on the EP. The words are poignant and well thought out; it tells a story of a humble young man already saying thankyou for what is still a very young career.
The Fourth and final track Vision is a brave attempt at a politically charged shout out claiming “words are powerful”; however it his hard to understand exactly where this song is aimed. Whether its just a general call for people to be more aware of what is happening around them; or if it is specifically aimed at a certain issue. The beat and sound of the track are great to vibe too, but the song is soured by the phrase “being political for the sake of being political” ringing in my ear.
This EP is the first official release of an artist still trying to find his own individual sound. Written, Recorded and Produced almost exclusively by Kay himself it is drenched in the sounds of artists that have had the most influence on his music. Rapping in a thick American accent it is easy to find similarities in these four tracks in those of artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Kid Kudi. However as Kay matures so will his music. 'Yes!' is an exciting and tantalising taste of an artist who has the talent, drive and potential to be one of Australia's most successful hip – hop sounds since the Hilltop Hoods. I am certainly looking forward to his first full album.
Sebastian Cooper
During a recent interview Kay explained “I want to be known for my versatility”. Yes! is a great example of Kays dedication to this ideal. We get off to a flying start with the bouncy and catchy title track. It's brash cocky and unashamed lyrics are typical of the big names of current hip hop. These lyrics are accompanied by a funky beat and addictive hook that brings everyone together and screams “dance and have a good time!”
If you were expecting more of the same, prepare to be surprised. From the bright and loud title track, Kay takes a more serious note with his second two tracks with deeper lyrics and a stronger message emerging from his words. The one constant is a catchy melody and hook which leave you asking for more.
The track Give Thanks gives you the sense that this is the most important or possibly, Kays favourite track on the EP. The words are poignant and well thought out; it tells a story of a humble young man already saying thankyou for what is still a very young career.
The Fourth and final track Vision is a brave attempt at a politically charged shout out claiming “words are powerful”; however it his hard to understand exactly where this song is aimed. Whether its just a general call for people to be more aware of what is happening around them; or if it is specifically aimed at a certain issue. The beat and sound of the track are great to vibe too, but the song is soured by the phrase “being political for the sake of being political” ringing in my ear.
This EP is the first official release of an artist still trying to find his own individual sound. Written, Recorded and Produced almost exclusively by Kay himself it is drenched in the sounds of artists that have had the most influence on his music. Rapping in a thick American accent it is easy to find similarities in these four tracks in those of artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Kid Kudi. However as Kay matures so will his music. 'Yes!' is an exciting and tantalising taste of an artist who has the talent, drive and potential to be one of Australia's most successful hip – hop sounds since the Hilltop Hoods. I am certainly looking forward to his first full album.
Sebastian Cooper