Kig David EP review
Posted on: 2015-04-10
Our rating:
K Stone Spod representative Kig David has undoubtedly crafted a fine EP. The three main songs on offer distance him from many other up-and-coming London rappers with their choice of subject and solid back beats
On my recent trip to London I was approached by Kig David on Camden Lock, a spot infamous for its alternative musical ties. I was earnestly handed a pair of headphones, and a well presented CD pressed into my palm before I could even say hello, and to my amazement I was impressed. Not only was the guy clearly motivated and passionate about his art with this crafty promotion style, but his work was good.
As we talked, I came to understand the aim of his break-out song Bad Ass Chic may be a little overshadowed by the title. Contrary to first impressions, the song encompasses a plea for a strong and brilliant woman who can hold a man down, commitment and all – quite the opposite of some similar tracks floating around in the genre pool...
26 year old Kig has been rapping for a while now, and emphasises the extent to which he pours his heart, soul and mind into his music. His passion for dance has imbedded a strong sense of rhythm and timing into the songs – each of which seems to mould around his strong vocals. His voice has a natural flow, though his words do have a tendency to melt into one or take on an incomprehensibly fast inflection... this aside, his voice is pleasant to listen to. Kig lacks the anger seen in some artist’s vocals – take for example the recently released TPAB album from Kendrick Lamar, where the emotion is so thick you can almost touch it - and as a matter of personal taste I think it would serve him well to develop this on later works. Certainly a strong talent in the making.
Another track off the EP, Bounce, has a generic backing loop but the inclusion of strings helps to refine the song, taking it from a simple cliché to a hard-hitting hip-hop smash. This is something I can imagine being played in clubs and on the radio, something catchy and relaxed with no strong message to get caught up in. As close to easy-listening as hip-hop can go. Kig has already gained some serious appreciation in the US, as his application to join Pandora was approved – a big achievement for an artist who does everything alone.
Kig’s work is splattered across the internet so he isn’t hard to find. His work is available to listen to on Soundcloud and Youtube, and he has Twitter and Instagram also (under the name @kigdavid). I would encourage anyone keen to encourage a flourishing young artist to check him out and share his tunes around. He strikes me as an artist with extreme natural talent, but who has a little way to go to get big in the business. Although Kig has no upcoming Bristol gigs, he is looking to promote his work in Bristol in much the same way as in Camden, so if you see him handing out CDs – take one and pass it on.
4/5
Reviewed by Miri Teixeira for 365Bristol.com
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
