What makes a successful rap group? Is it mandatory that every artist shine separately while maintaining the cohesive sound that first brought their team to our consumer’s attention? Is it non-negotiable that they have a sound distinct from anyone else, hypnotizing us with the progeny of their paternal prowess? Because, after all, the KIDZ are parent-like in the way their music influences and collects the ears of so many of us newfound Kidz at Play. With their latest single, STFU! partnered with a June 3rd music video, they’ve struck gold again - let’s dive into it:
Listening to the KIDZ puts me back into an era before streaming. An era that was ruled by platforms such as Datpiff, 2DopeBoyz, and my personal favorite - Spinrilla. It was platforms like these that first introduced us to the belligerent lyrics of Odd Future, the proficient penmanship of Pro Era, and most significantly - gave young kids an avenue to make their marks on the world through mixtapes. So, when I was first introduced to the KIDZ through one of their member’s projects (Smyth’s North Chesterfield), I was immediately hit with waves of nostalgia.
Who are these kids? Singles such as Smyth’s Stray Catz (Standing out on Heir Wave Music’s Playlist), Quincy X’s 4 Da Kidz, and Marquis Flower’s Dolo all sparked comparisons in the conversations with friends regarding Hip-Hop’s icons, as well as its rising stars. Through their music, specifically with this latest single, STFU!, there are various moments jam-packed together that you may miss when locked in on their original sound; luckily The MSQ Shop has you covered!
The first thing to look for is the cinematography of their latest video. The inspiration their team acquired from Director Dave Free and The Little Homies (Frequent collaborators of Kendrick Lamar and T.D.E.) is prominent in the visual angles they use. The wide shots used throughout the King’s Dead music video (Black Panther Soundtrack) can be seen in STFU! as well - zoomed in moments on industrial buildings, individuals on the apex of bridges/roofs, and this overall mob energy. It’s a small detail that should resonate even more when listeners are introduced to Quincy X’s opening bars (Got that bite back, lil’ b****/ Hercules when you let me squeeze and the p**** tight as my fist) sampling Jay Rock’s flow in King’s Dead. Throughout the verse, it’s easy to be drawn into the visuals of NHP Studios. The short bursts of choreography, the mosh pit energy. DO NOT LET THE VISUALS DISTRACT TOO MUCH! While well deserved, the artistry and flow taking place need to be digested in its entirety.
The most concise and justified way to describe Marquis Flower's stand-out verse on this track is: Reminiscent of Brockhampton’s Joba (Check out songs such as 1999 WILDFIRE, SWEET, and SUGAR. He balances flow with a certain melodic texture to his sound that meshes perfectly with the other group members. That same melodic texture is even more prominent on tracks like Skyline, his own soulful contribution to the KIDZ short project released back on April 1st. Skyline is the perfect example of individuality that correlates with the group's significant versatility. In each member, you find something fresh.
With Smyth weaving in and out the verses with the arena-level STFU! chorus, the track is a house party anthem in the making.
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