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Kingdom – the second album from Kalil Johnson, formerly known as Kalil Kash – leaves the listener with much to ruminate. The Brick City emcee delivers insight into his spiritual journey with the opening lines: “Hello God, whoever you are…” Trading the “Based God for Allah,” Kalil retracts the sentiment by mid-album when he begs the question: “Why pray when the ears aren’t present nor couldn’t give a shit?” If Kalil’s brash references to thy holiness don’t offend, keep listening for more introspection from the rebel in his own mind.

Kalil’s voice, delivery and slick talk on songs like “Delorean,” “Max Payne” and “Kimbo Slice” remind me of the late Big L. Like his hip-hop predecessors and peers, Kalil rhymes about being the nicest at his craft, defending himself against police and stick-up kids – minus the obsessive desire for frills. His focus is more on rhyme aesthetics in lines like:

Move mountains with the speech
Who the hell could impeach this brother man?
Oval office is in reach
That’s in terms of rap rhythms
Or perhaps cataclysms
Raging bull like occupied streets…

Due to its cynical nature, “Wrong” is probably the most relatable song to me as a writer myself. The critics taunt Kalil, dismissing his skills throughout the song and hook. But the self-proclaimed “skinny-jeaned criminal” detests titles and labels, likening his lines to cocaine. The concept is reminiscent of “Dumb it Down” by Lupe Fiasco and “World Domination” by Joey Bada$$.

The beat selection is proper. I heard some disco influence on “Atlas” and Led Zeppelin on “Delorean.” As a beat sample enthusiast, I didn’t have much luck identifying all of the awesome originals used on this album. The only one I recognized was “Belle De Jour” by Saint Tropez – a song sampled on the title track to Prodigy’s H.N.I.C. album. You can catch that on the last 45 seconds of “Ascension.”

Kingdom closes with the most beautiful song “Porcelain,” which also happens to be the saddest. Kalil remembers his late mom while Shay Leonia – the only featured vocalist on the album – graces the hook and bridge with a portrait of her niece who “looks just like a woman she never knew.” Peace to Olga Johnson.

Download and stream Kingdom here: kalilkash.bandcamp.com

I own my own labels and masters. I’m really a boss.
Bahamadia produced, wrote and recorded Dialed Up from her iPhone. Still kickin that realness: bahamadia.bandcamp.com #DialedUp
This film by journalist Nelson George makes me want to move back to Brooklyn! The arts and culture movement out there is so inspiring. George interviews Spike Lee, Branford Marsalis, Toure, Rosie Perez, and so many others who lived in the Fort Greene area during the ’80s and ’90s. The neighborhood was primarily inhabited by musicians. Spike Lee’s dad was a jazz player, hence all the musical themes for his films. Watch this on Netflix!

This film by journalist Nelson George makes me want to move back to Brooklyn! The arts and culture movement out there is so inspiring. George interviews Spike Lee, Branford Marsalis, Toure, Rosie Perez, and so many others who lived in the Fort Greene area during the ’80s and ’90s. The neighborhood was primarily inhabited by musicians. Spike Lee’s dad was a jazz player, hence all the musical themes for his films. Watch this on Netflix!

9 plays

02. Dont Wanna Fall Feat. Add-2 (Prod. Def Soul)

Netousha Monroe

Ooh baby… You sure love to ball. Netousha Monroe’s voice gives me nostalgia on this song, Don’t Wanna Fall, as she flows alongside hints of Marvin Gaye sprinkled throughout the beat. A sample flipped by Def Soul turning Marvin’s notes into an instrument to coincide with the sax. Love this track from her latest project Zone 7.

cinnamon tree… graceful and free / we meet just once in a while, but the spice in your smile is magic to me…

cinnamon tree… wise and sturdy / your roots are firm in the ground to soak up what’s around and make sweet seasoning…

- Esperanza Spalding ‘Cinnamon Tree’

“tomorrow … what will tomorrow bring?!” Femi Kuti on the saxophone.

Buckshot silhouette. Shot by Kamaly.

Buckshot silhouette. Shot by Kamaly.