Hello world, hello world! It has been way too long! I am back in business though to bring your attention to an up and coming artist from North Carolina, Kain. When he asked for someone to review his first album I jumped at the chance because I know, like you know, not everyone gets to witness an artist truly mold their talent into a craft. I imagine the only way to describe it is AS if you were there when Picasso put down his finger paints and transitioned into oil pastels. This is quintessentially how I feel about Kain’s 1st album the Foundation, because before every Slim Shady LP there was an Infinite and before every Ironman there was a Clientele. There is nothing like your first studio album it stands as their measuring bar and as your Genesis in the story of your campaign
Track 1.) Foundation
I hate intros, I just do, I can’t lie. They’re confusing, often littered with brief unrelated dialogue like prolonged foreplay. However Kain makes a strong attempt to introduce himself and the album in a one minute heart to heart with the listener and two minutes of bars. Despite my typical disdain for intros, I find quality in Kain’s production and metaphors. His delivery reminds of Trinidad James intro on Don’t Be S.A.F.E – both are arguably good, but still aren’t enough to convince me of their necessity. I’m just not big on intros.
Track 2.) American Pimp 2.0
American Pimp 2.0 is a smooth remake of it’s predecessor, American Pimp, an earlier project Kain created. The first song was similar in imagery, but more explicit and not produced as well, so I see why it was redid. This remake is light years sharper and the sound is noticeably better. Another great moment to experience the evolution of an artist.
Track 3. No Sympathy
A dope song that’s far too short! The song begins with a sound bite from B.A.P.S. (1997 comedy starring Halle Berry Martin Landau, about two waitresses whose dream, is to open the world’s first hair salon and soul food restaurant combo). Around the second sound bite it’s made apparent that the BAPS references parallels a bold but often evoked statement that women’s desire to feel special is instigated by their use of appearance and feminine wiles to battle class barriers. The sound bite is a bit odd and I wonder if it was necessary to include. I get it, but its still a debatable inclusion.
Track 4. Doggin
“OH-MY-JESUS!” -That’s has to be my favorite line on Doggin,my favorite song on Kain’s EP. This track is fire, after the third time listening to the album I would skip to Doggin – it goes in the car and in your headphones. I even changed it to my Grandmothers ringtone just cause I know her bi-daily phone call will remind me to listen to this song again. Again, another strong track that invokes the faint spirit of Trinidad James.
Track 5. The Call
The Call is a song worth listening to a few times back-to-back. The Chance The Rapper-esque feel provides a dialog with Kain and his lady through really clever metaphors. Perhaps the most intriguing element is introduced by Ryan the Humble who is having a metaphorical affair with a teacher, a tricky scheme to rap but done exceptionally well.
Track 6. See Something
See Something is a chill dance-pop track that evokes the laid-back production style of the Internet, Willow, and Childish Gambino. A staple track – this can easily be a listener’s favorite song.
- Insecure
Insecure’s J. Cole-esque low-tempo style creates a nice little ditty enhanced by heart felt Hooks, which are not only catchy, but also emotional.
- The Voice
Through The Voice, Kain’s strength is observed once more in these personal conversational interludes where he dives in on his perspective of music and what it means to him.
- Transcendence
A rhythmic low-tempo hook that strikes the listener differently than other tracks. The duet between him and Markito Halo is dope although the harmonizing is at times little distracting.
- Judas
“You can do everything right like you Christ, but you still gotta watch out for Judas” who can’t relate to that?! An A+ on my books with a red ink pen! The beat is a great mix of sample and bass. The flow, delivery and imagery in the lyrics lead me to believe this song is music video ready!
- Hand Games
Kain’s third person point of view is similar to Lupe Fiasco in Bitch Bad. Whats interesting is that Kain’s lyrical aggression leans in during the first verse almost as if he is telling a story as an old man, then he emphatically speeds his flow up to bring you a different perspective. A track that definitely catches the listener’s attention.
- Alabama
A quick acapella, I want to call it a freestyle, but Kain says its not so its not.
- Black Panther Party
This song is true to Kain’s story-telling style. It knocks at the door of conscious rap, by touching on issues like capitalism, police injustice, and social media dependency, but never enters. If you are conscious, or deep into conscious rap, this is a good song for you – but note, his revolution is his own so don’t expect to count on it as your marching anthem.
In review, there are many good points to take notice of on this album. It’s gracious in its style with there literally being track for everyone. This goes without compromise, as Kain is just as relatable as he is talented. With it’s variety of moods with changing tempo and styles, I would say there are three are four songs on this album that are industry ready. That being said, there is nothing missing in this album to question Kain’s validity or the music’s quality. It’s good music, no question.
However, Kain is clearly still growing and finding his voice, which is to be expected with a new artist. The first album provides a chance to weed out other well-known influencers until you eventually hear the artist’s true voice. I see Kain’s talent as a lump of clay which is being molded into something magnificent while it fights the threat of being unoriginal. His music has the potential to be crafted into something groundbreaking and innovative. If there’s one thing for sure, Kain will go as far as his will and ambition will carry him. I imagine as he completes more projects he will grow as an artist and take more chances with his music.
Thank you for taking your time to read this blog please comment below and follow me on twitter at Twan_Two. Stay Blessed.
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