King Author released his latest extended play on November 7th this year. I first discovered King Author through his feature on Bloodblixing’s *SODOM & GOMORRAH: GANGSTA EDITION* album and was immediately impressed. His performance on that project made me eager to hear more from him. Recently, I also enjoyed his feature on Andrew’s latest album. When I saw this new EP, I wasn’t sure if I’d write about it, but after listening, I knew I had to share it with you. The project opens with “Initiintro,” featuring an intriguing instrumental. King Author doesn’t rap on this track; instead, it features someone speaking about what a fraternal order is. It’s a fitting intro, especially since I had no idea what a fraternal order was before listening. The first actual song, “Imported Oils,” follows. Haleem’s jazzy, floaty instrumental is captivating, with light drums that add to the chill vibe, reminiscent of many of J Dilla’s beats. King Author delivers a stellar performance:
“Little bougie, never Hollywood
Probably in your hood
No questionin’ if the product’s good
God is good all the time
Parallel to Allah, tellin’ ’em all I’m born through the mind
Not simply because of the darkness that my melanin caused
Every L ain’t a loss, levelin’ off would’ve settled the cost
Carlos Lehder sort of a business sense in a sense
Innocence strips, cynicism is now put on when he gettin’ dressed
Even anxious when he gettin’ rest, strength exercises liftin’ stress
Different reps got me chiseled now, meanin’ inside there was a good war
Look for me and the chick in used sections of any bookstore”
His non-stop rapping with no hook or bridge makes the verse fire. The song grew on me with repeated listens, and I now love it. The next track, “Elevate,” is even better. The production is amazing, with minimalistic percussion that’s light yet impactful. This beat reminds me of “Modest” by Isaiah Rashad but is even more compelling. Unlike “Imported Oils,” this track has a hook, and it’s good. The first verse is nice, but the second verse stands out:
“Deceit lays trails in between the veils
Under which is all you well-wishing obtainment
I speak from in between lines on missing pages
Citing division as a remainder of pressure points of view
Intimate with soft spots of danger
Unexplained wounds in unexposed places”
King Author’s style is unique, and I feel a collaboration with MidaZ the BEAST would be incredible. This track’s structured format and stellar production make it a highlight. “Front Lobe Focus” is next, and once again, the production is excellent. The opening verse is great, and this track has the best hook on the EP so far. King Author’s flow on the second verse is superb:
“Cause and effect, I pro-act and react
You overly worried about what we have
Reverse that attention and then maybe you would achieve that
On a second wind and ain’t nothin’ for one to breeze past
The fearless, if I’m gettin’ wheezy then I’m lookin’ where number three at
You on kneepads for your master, hatin’ on someone you not as free as”
This song is really dope.
The penultimate track, “Value in a Face,” is another highlight with stunning production. The melodic beat is one of the best on the project, possibly even better than “Elevate.” Although it’s the longest song on the EP, it never overstays its welcome. The hook is nice, and King Author’s vocal delivery on the second verse stands out:
“I take L’s and bleed wisdom
Failed visions of desires of profit for realization
Promotin’ favors, alone changin’
My favorites joined me in parallel stages
Case by case procedures that we can link from, masterin’ basics
Advanced metrics contained him
When it rains hands are cut, palms up
Pullin’ off disrupted by curious neighbors
Smilin’, salutations, first name basis
Thanks being given and invitation
Redefining race, word is bond down to mistakes
Heard of time, bound to the grave, lounging and miss pain”
This track is dope as hell. The closing track, “Islamic Illustrations,” is a fitting outro with its strong production and lyricism. Despite being the shortest song on the project, it feels complete and satisfying. This EP is great. Both King Author and Haleem are among my favorite discoveries of 2023. Every instrumental impressed me, and King Author consistently delivers top-notch verses. The project grew on me with repeated listens, and I was hooked from the start. They recently followed this EP with a full album, which I’m excited to hear. Overall, I have no major complaints. King Author’s voice might not be the most recognizable, but his skills are undeniable. Check this out and let me know what you think in the comments below. It’s dope as hell.
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