This album was released on March 15th this year, and it’s a must-listen. Although I’ve only written about Kembe X once back in 2016, he’s quickly become one of the most exciting artists on my radar. His 2019 album was a standout for me, and not reviewing it remains one of my biggest regrets. The leap in quality from 2016 to 2019 was astonishing. He was already good, but 2019 marked the point where I started eagerly anticipating everything he puts out. Voices is still the most relatable song I’ve ever heard. Naturally, I was excited for this latest release. Kembe X has worked with Hippie Sabotage before, but this is their first full project together. Hippie Sabotage produced the title track for Talk Back, one of my favorite Kembe X songs. I knew I’d love this album, and it delivered exactly what I hoped for.
The album kicks off with “Fade the Sun,” the shortest track on the project. It’s the only song I don’t see myself returning to. The minimalistic production feels a bit dull, reminiscent of something from the GOOD Music Cruel Summer album. While Kembe’s performance is solid, the fuzzy vocal filter detracts from it. The last 45 seconds feature a more intricate beat, but it’s too late to redeem the song for me. It’s a solid track but doesn’t stand out. The album picks up with “Pole Vaulting.” The beat here is excellent, especially when the bass kicks in. Kembe’s flow is incredibly catchy, showcasing his significant growth over the years. The hook, while good, lasts too long, feeling tedious by the song’s end. Despite this, it remains a very dope track with a cool music video. “King” follows and is even better. The production is great, especially with the evolving guitars. The simplistic yet catchy hook and Kembe’s stellar flow make this track a standout, even if the lyrics don’t particularly stand out. “Love Songs” is a major highlight, despite not being a rap track. Kembe’s singing, while not exceptional, is enjoyable, and the synth-pop production elevates it. The track sounds like Kembe X channeling The Weeknd, with some moving lyrics about love and self-discovery. “Shallow,” released as a single, is another favorite. Kembe’s vocal delivery is top-notch, with a catchy hook and relatable lyrics. The track deals with themes of self-worth and overcoming negativity, making it a standout.
“Where D “Kill Everything in the Way” is another major highlight, possibly featuring the best beat on the album. The instrumental is warm and comforting, with Kembe’s fantastic flow adding to its appeal. This track exudes positivity and resilience, making it one of my favorites of the year. “Rolling Stoned” grew on me over time. The catchy sung hook and melodic delivery stand out, with relatable and clever lyrics. Isaiah Rashad’s uncredited verse adds to the song’s charm. It’s a dope track. “Start a Business” features an instrumental reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption, with a strong performance from Kembe. Despite the subject matter not resonating with me, the execution is great, making it a dope track. “Baby I’m Up,” the closing track, might be my favorite. It’s the longest at seven and a half minutes, with an amazing instrumental and celebratory tone. The simplistic hook works incredibly well, and the lyrics about perseverance and joy resonate deeply. The evolving instrumental adds to its compositional impressiveness, making it one of the best tracks I’ve heard this year. This album is outstanding, definitely one of the best I’ve heard in 2024. It encapsulates everything I love about Kembe X: catchy hooks, fun flows, and themes of coping and perseverance. It feels more focused than his previous work, with minimal features enhancing its cohesiveness. Kembe X continues to solidify himself as one of the most exciting artists, not just from Chicago, but in general. Hippie Sabotage’s production is superb, and I wouldn’t mind if Kembe X continued this collaboration exclusively. Check this album out and share your thoughts in the comments. Also, explore Kembe X’s previous albums, especially his 2019 release.
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