Music
Hundred Round Kado showcases a new album, “Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly)”
Boston-based lyricist Hundred Round Kado, whose name means “gift” in his native language, Haitian Creole. He embodies a revolutionary and emotionally raw spirit reminiscent of the Golden Age of hip-hop; aggressiveness mixed with deep introspection. This versatility is a testament to his superpower – articulating his experiences into words without creative compromise. However, the emerging underground MC, the byproduct of systemic racism, violence, and poverty, was heavily influenced by trap music (Gucci, Jeezy, T.I., Boosie, ZRo, Playa Fly). At 32 years old, Kado has spent one-third of his reality behind bars, yet his desire for rap has never wavered; if anything, it has intensified. The proof can be seen in his latest creation, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly).
Artfully executed, Kado’s 11th release is a tightly-wrapped 14-song tracklist with various perspectives and masterfully narrated by Charlie Masheen, who shines seamlessly. The title single is a cathartic ghetto gospel that opens with Masheen’s thought-provoking spoken word laying the energetic groundwork for Kado to spit his soul-baring truths over a sparse soundscape. On records like “Gratitude,” “Dead Person,” and “9 And A Nina,” there’s a soulful rap&b vibe as the MC flawlessly flows atop melodic basslines, while cuts like “Boolin In The Kut” and “Bring Your Skale” find Kado showcasing his ability for cinematic storytelling.
Each track is thorough enough to stand on its own yet as a whole, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly) is a brick-laced bar-for-bar symphony of cohesive hood poetry. It took over a decade of growth, highs, and lows, lock-ups and freedom, death, and life for Kado to produce the autobiographical content found in the project. From subject matter ranging from legal woes and street politics to relationship struggles and spiritual breakthroughs, Kado’s young OG reputation was earned. “I don’t rap; I make my life rhyme,” says Kado about why he makes music. Over the last few months, Kado has managed to drop back-to-back music videos for tracks from Never Lost A Gunfight (Allegedly) while confined to house arrest. The ability to hone in on the art and focus is seen in the outcome of the visuals; they don’t follow conventional scripts. In the video for the single “Dededede,” the dynamic rapper shows himself as somewhat of a bibliophile as the camera pans across his bedroom bookshelf showcasing the works of literary icons like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Zora Neale Hurston.
This collection of female authors might seem somewhat of an anomaly for a gang member currently out on bail while awaiting trial for a gun charge (allegedly), but Kado is a rare breed. On the strength of individual and professional respect, multi-Grammy-winning artist Malik Yusef introduced Kado to Roc Nation artist Vic Mensa while on the 4:44 Tour with Jay Z in 2017. The relationship proved to be mutually priceless.
“Kado is one of the most talented lyricists I know,” says Mensa. “The elite level of his wordplay is probably only trumped by the gravity of his story, which is breathtaking; born in federal prison, it’s a miracle he’s still alive and has been able to transmute his pain into passion. Kado held me down in some tough times when I had a lot of people out for me, but it wasn’t until 2021 when he was locked up facing a life, that our relationship became what it is today.
In those 8-9 months, I sent him nearly 40 books ranging from James Baldwin to Eckhart Tolle and saw this miraculous transformation take place in him as he began to harness his innate power to build, as opposed to destroying. In many of these verses, he spits for me when he was doing his time and always inspired me to go harder.” Yusef says, “Kado speaks the language of a certain journey that few will ever decode, but almost all will enjoy.”
Known as the Godfather of New England, Kado has a head for entrepreneurship and a heart for service. The strategic businessman has a portfolio of investments encompassing a barbershop, hair salon, clothing store, studio, and art gallery. Living up to the meaning of his name, Kado is truly a gift. A marginalized outsider who became an insider against all odds, including a 20-year history within the criminal justice system, the intelligent artist doesn’t know what his future holds. However, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and creatively speaking, he’s free.
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Adrie ft. Rulo evokes the groove-soaked rhythmic vibe with her debut single “Bring Back the Light”
Adrie’s thought-provoking vibe, “Bring Back the Light,” establishes a sonically vivid kaleidoscope that encapsulates vitality and skillfully merges energetic Afrobeat rhythms and funk-oriented guitar melodies with the soulful combination of English and Spanish lyrics. The debut single from her upcoming concept album bursts forth as a significant representation of artistic innovation. The audacious collaboration with Chilean artist Rulo, recognized for his proficiency in Latin funk and hip-hop roots, infuses the track with a layer of vibrant authenticity.
The song’s heartbeat is firmly rooted in Afrobeat, establishing a dynamic rhythm that engages listeners from the outset. The funk guitar elements interlace throughout the composition, contributing a timeless energy. Additionally, the bilingual lyrics transition seamlessly between English and Spanish, reflecting Adrie’s diverse cultural heritage. This linguistic interplay underscores the overarching theme of the track: the complex relationship between light and darkness on both societal and personal levels.
Drawing inspiration from the surreal narrative of the television series ‘Twin Peaks,’ Adrie and Rulo explore the equilibrium between fear and hope. The lyrics are imbued with emotional depth, articulating Adrie’s battle with anxiety and her desire to foster positivity. Nevertheless, the overall composition rises above the melancholy theme, characterized by an uplifting rhythm and celebratory tone, encouraging listeners to engage intellectually, contemplate profoundly, and participate physically through dance.
“Bring Back the Light” aims to illuminate these pressing issues and inspire proactive engagement. It is a poignant reminder that even amidst personal or societal challenges, there’s a rhythm in life to celebrate and a spark waiting to be ignited. This represents Adrie at her most creative, and with Rulo’s distinctive flair, the outcome is a dance-floor anthem characterized by both heartfelt and meaningful. Listeners are invited to increase the volume and allow the music to uplift and brighten their spirits.
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Album Review
“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.
“Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, “Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.
Subsequently, the soulful track “Closing In On December“ follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, “Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.
Curley’s versatility is evident in “A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. “Extra Happy Holidays“ delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.
Infusing a touch of country flair, “Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem“ reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with “New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.
Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.
For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP “Big Colored Lights“ on Spotify.
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