SEARCH FOR: KAYTRANADA

I always say it in my articles, but I am so proud to call the city of Chicago my home, and a large part of that is because of the incredible art that is brought to life every single day here. The culture in the Windy City is supportive, collaborative, and creative, three of the most important things on my radar when searching for music in other parts of the world, and I just have yet to come across another place that does it quite like the Chi. Ravyn Lenae is someone who definitely makes me as proud as I am to consider the same city home, and although she has moments of silence or brief hiatus, she makes sure to hit us with something even more spectacular when she’s back. As we anticipate and prepare for his upcoming project Hypnos that is set to drop this Friday, May 20th, she teamed up with one of my favorite beat smiths Kaytranada for her latest single “Xtasy”, and I couldn’t have had higher hopes. The instrumental is so woozy and spacy and just pulsates with vivaciousness which is delivered alongside a trademark drum foundation that pulsates much like Kaytranada’s other hits. …

Kaytranada has long been one of my all-time favorite producers ever because of the groovy, easygoing nature that he is able to bring to every piece of music that he’s involved in. While I admittedly slept on IDK for brief stints throughout my writing career, when I found out that this duo was teaming up for their project Simple., I realized that this was the wake-up call that I needed in order to fully engulf myself in the world of IDK knowing that I wasn’t venturing too far outside of my preferred comfort zone because regardless of how he sounded, I knew Kaytra would kill it. Well, within seconds I was rapidly proven wrong because IDK showed exactly how insanely adaptable and skilled he is no matter what kind of instrumental is thrown his way, and all 8 songs on this 18-minute-long project were nothing short of magnificent. Luckily, we haven’t had to wait long for a few music videos to come out in support of this effort, and his latest flick is for his record “Breathe”. Directed by Remi Besse, we are transported to Paris where IDK sits on top of a skyscraper overlooking the city. After this cinematic …

In all honesty, there are certain songs I write about that are performed by artists that I don’t really listen very heavily to, but I hear something and I just can’t resist. Mark Ronson is someone who definitely has a very storied, notable career, but he just typically doesn’t make a style of music that I often listen to. That’s not to undercut his talent or musical genius but considering he doesn’t really experiment with the world of rap or hip-hop very often at all, he doesn’t come across my radar as frequently as others. Well, I saw that he had a song with Lucky Daye called “Too Much”, and thanks to the fact that Lucky has become one of my absolute favorite R&B artists ever after working with producers like Kaytranada, I knew this wasn’t going to be something that I’d want to pass up. This song actually even came in partnership with Audemars Piguet, as they debuted a music program in 2019, and while I’m not entirely positive about what the overall goal of the program is, I’m at least grateful that they clearly put time and effort into working with some of the best talents out. As …

Since news broke that IDK and Kaytranada had completed their joint project Simple, fans instantly (and rightly) knew that they were about to be treated to an album of the year contender. In spite of both artists’ earlier works existing at almost opposite ends of the musical spectrum – like Kaytra Todo and I Was Very Bad for example – Kaytranada and IDK’s collaborative record together shines as a true testament to versatility, risk-taking, and the dynamic journey of a true artist. Making waves with a project that stands at only 8 tracks long, Simple is a refreshingly unique and colorful take on the styles and sounds that Kaytranada and IDK have helped popularize in mainstream music. Painstakingly polished and carefully crafted, album cuts like “Zaza Tree” and “Breathe” see IDK flexing his singing skills over Kaytranada’s eclectic hip-hop/house beats. Levels of energy fluctuate at moments’ notice on Simple – and while “Breathe” stands as more on the ambient and spacious side of things, tracks like “The Code” with Mike Dimes or “Dog Food” with Denzel Curry and Karriem Riggins are instilled with a certain level of high-octane energy. Every track blends perfectly into the other to create a nonstop …

It’s always an exciting time to be an IDK fan, and 2022 is no exception. If you’ve been a bit out of the loop – earlier this week fans were treated to two pieces of news regarding the DMV rapper’s upcoming LP Simple. Though it’s been less than a year since IDK’s last record USEE4YOURSELF – IDK’s latest project is set to release next Friday (May 6), and be comprised of songs featuring production from Kaytranada himself. Though it’s safe to assume that the previously-released single “Taco” will make the final tracklist, our newest taste of the record comes today in the form of “Dog Food” featuring Denzel Curry. There are no words to describe hearing two of the best modern rappers in their prime flow effortlessly over a mix from Kaytranada – and yet I type. The production is jazzy and energetic, and though I’m currently sitting on my couch I feel oddly compelled to leap from my seat and do a lil jig across the room. IDK and Denzel trade verses laced with insatiably electric energy, and IDK’s brief moments of singing add an eerily cinematic feeling to a track that I’m certain will stay in my rotation all …

IDK is one of those artists that I had never really listened to on my own time, but I have heard his name pop up so many times that I know he is someone that deserves all the attention in the world. After checking out a few songs on Spotify, I realized that I have actually heard a ton of tracks that I was a massive fan of without even realizing it and that in turn made me realize that I seriously need to pay way more attention, and I’m beyond excited to do so moving forward, especially with the song he just dropped today! The name of this gem is “Taco” and is produced by KAYTRANADA who is one of my all-time favorite producers, so I knew I was going to love the record even before I listened. Going into this one based on other songs I had heard from IDK, I didn’t expect this collaboration just because I know he can often be pretty blunt and powerful, but I also have witnessed the very diverse spectrum of sounds that he is capable of bringing to life, so I knew without a doubt that this one was going to …

As life started to return to a state of relative normality last spring, so did the state of live music. Tours were announced and re-announced, fans were ravenous for tickets, and together it seems like live music experienced its own isolated roaring 20’s – albeit briefly. Though there’s no telling what is bound to happen in the future, the covid case spikes seem to be fewer and far between these days – so below you’ll find a brief list of some of our favorite shows from 2021, as well as a few tours worth keeping your eyes on as spring turns to summer. Whether you love festival crowds or despise their hectic energy – we can all agree that there’s nothing better than listening to music with those we love. With luck, this list will guide you (and your friends) to a memory waiting to be made.  Our Favorite Shows of 2021 — IDK: Fresh from the release of his sophomore LP USEE4YOURSELF – IDK’s shows were the perfect portrayal of his recent hot streak. At his Los Angeles show, the venue was packed with diehard fans waiting on his every word. If he played a cut from an older …

Chicago’s own Ausar connects with Hershey, PA artist Bairi for an impeccable new track titled “Love Is.” Following “Homies,” the song serves as Ausar’s first single release of 2022, and unsurprisingly it couldn’t be more excellent. Equally versed in rapping and singing, this particular offering essentially gloats his top-tier stylistic qualities. Effortlessly alternating from a verse to a showcase of vocals, Ausar’s slickness remains all the same no matter the type of record. With a highly memorable and sonically pleasing chorus, it’s quite absurd how Bairi comfortably shines with a corresponding phenomenal verse of her own. The unique, highly-skilled production from a pacing standpoint is suitable for both artist’s talents, and the background piano in particular solidifies the record’s elegance. Along with Joyce Wrice and Kaytranada’s “Iced Tea,” this track deservingly joins my personal songs of the year nominees so far. I absolutely cannot wait to hear more new music from Ausar; notably a full-fledged  project release that he’s been teasing his fans over. No matter the duration, the wait will certainly be worth it, since there is no question that his discography will always be top quality. Listen to “Love Is” by Ausar, featuring Bairi below!

Kaelin Ellis is a name you might recognize if you’re within the producer community. You may have seen his work next to names like Lupe Fiasco, Kaytranada, J.I.D, Danny Brown, and Noname. Today he’s making his artist debut on the Lyrical Lemonade platform with his video for his groovy single “Lil Bit.” This is a lane I wish producers tapped into more in creating visuals with their production. Without any lyrics added to the instrumental, I think if paired with the right VFX person the producers can world build pretty much anything that matches the vibe of each instrumental. However, with this particular single, Kaelin actually lays down a verse for the first time ever on a record. This may be the start of a new era for Kaelin if he decides to venture into becoming a full-time lyricist. Watch the visuals for Kaelin Ellis’ funky new single “Lil Bit” after the break.

R&B sensation Joyce Wrice once more teams up with Grammy award winning producer Kaytranada for one of the best singles of the year titled “Iced Tea.” After releasing her phenomenal debut album Overgrown in 2021, it is refreshing yet unsurprisingly impressive that Joyce is already back at it musically. Thanks to the next-level production quality of Kaytranada, the song kicks off in blissful fashion with an assortment of drums, an absurdly good bassline and overall addictive melody. Coupled with Joyce’s heaven-scent vocals, I cannot overstate how incredible this record sounds on the very first listen. Followed by several replay listens later, my reverence for this offering only grew more, and all I could think about is how elite Joyce Wrice and Kaytranada are as a duo. If there’s anything close to paradise in auditory form, it’s this very track. Have a listen below!