Kojey Radical has always been restless. His debut album, ‘Reason To Smile,’ offered a lively introduction to a multifaceted artist adept at transitioning between roles of preacher, poet, and showman within a single verse. With his second project, ‘Don’t Look Down,’ Kojey hones that instinct, delving deeper and expanding his sound like never before.
The project resembles an introspective dialogue. The impassioned artist grapples with themes of pride and pressure, ambition and fatigue. It poses questions surrounding fatherhood, legacy, and mental burdens. Kojey never claims to possess simple answers, and this uncertainty energizes the album.
It kicks off with an essence of self-reflection. Kojey sounds as if he’s pacing while processing his doubts, allowing the music to rise and envelop him. He doesn’t merely depict the glimmer of success; he draws listeners into its associated costs: loneliness, uncertainty, and a perpetual balancing act. This confessional yet unwavering tone permeates the entire project.
‘Don’t Look Down’ is anything but limited. At 32, he navigates through jazz-influenced drum rhythms, R&B, gospel, and bursts of rap intensity, weaving a soundscape that reflects the album’s mood fluctuations. Songs like ‘Conversation’ pulsate with energy as his lyrics cascade over a beat that shifts between a club vibe and gospel uplift. However, beneath the bravado lies the urgency of a man racing against time. In ‘Expensive,’ featuring Planet Giza, he loosens his hold, effortlessly gliding over groove-driven production with playful ease.
Yet, the most impactful moments arise when he chooses simplicity. ‘Curtains’ presents a raw and exposed perspective, revealing inherited trauma and the challenge of breaking cycles while remaining present for those who rely on him. One of the standout tracks, ‘On Call,’ featuring James Vickery, feels both battered yet oddly comforting. Built on moody horns and a rhythm that embraces live instrumentation, it conveys the intimacy of a late-night revelation.
Features are used purposefully and not excessively. Cristale, Ghetts, Chrissi, MNEK, James Vickery, SOLOMON, Planet Giza, and others not only enhance the songs but also elevate Kojey’s intentions without overshadowing him. His ability to remain the focal point while allowing his collaborators to shine is a testament to his growth.
It’s a heavier album, and at times, its ambition seems almost stretched, but that risk contributes to its allure. Radical isn’t creating music to play it safe; he’s exploring how far vulnerability and vision can stretch. What truly sets the album apart is its honesty. Kojey Radical exudes confidence when necessary, but he doesn’t conceal his vulnerabilities. He acknowledges fear, pressure, inherited trauma, and the struggle to maintain balance while shaping a future. His willingness to reveal the chaos makes ‘Don’t Look Down’ both braver and more relatable than its predecessor.
‘Don’t Look Down’ is a courageous, poignant, and beautifully chaotic project. It portrays an artist who continues to ascend while refusing to overlook the disorientation.
8/10
Words: Temiloluwa Adeyemo
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Multifaceted, genre-defying, singular, and one-of-a-kind... you've probably encountered these terms applied to every emerging band or artist making waves in today's music scene.
Kojey Radical has always been restless. His first album, 'Reason To Smile', provided a lively introduction to an artist capable of shifting between