Release of the Week 13/12: Kwame “NOBODY” ft. E^ST

Ghanaian descendent rapper Kwame might have been born in Auckland, NZ, but he is fresh from the Hills District of Western Sydney, with his music standing as an example of the prominent Sydney hip/hop scene. While most rappers from Western Sydney have mean verses, quick bars and an aggressive, impassioned delivery, Kwame instead relies on experimentalism and his soulful singing voice. His latest single, “NOBODY” ft E^ST, is a standalone hit that exemplifies everything Kwame is bringing to the table.

Before “NOBODY”, Kwame’s voice featured on Triple One’s “So Easy”, soaring in the highs and driving home the track’s emotional resonance. Following up from this fantastic performance is a similarly impressive chorus on “NOBODY”. The light piano chords and reverb heavy background harmonies put all the melodic focus on Kwame’s voice, which utilises an aesthetic autotune to give his delicate falsetto a Kanye West or Frank Ocean like digital effect. This effect is removed when Kwame moves into his verses. With a simple but energetic beat giving the song an anthem sound, his rapping is passionate and the lyrics are grand. Further into the lyrics, sharp distorted keys boom in the low end, swelling with the beat and lyrics to add even more to this anthem feel. After the impressive second verse, South African born Aussie singer E^ST delivers a feature verse that removes the energy from Kwame’s deliverance without losing the soulful passion that the song relies on.

The result of all these moving parts is a radio-friendly, inspiring and at times powerful track that firmly defines everything that is so special about Kwame. Not only does “Nobody” give listeners a chill but exciting hip/hop tune but it also highlights Kwame’s unique place within the Sydney rap scene.

Listen here: https://defjamanz.lnk.to/NOBODYFP