I love being given the opportunity to check out new artists based on recommendations. It’s one thing if I stumble across new talent myself, but when I get sent someone that’s cool as fuck to me because it means my opinion is respected in the game, and so let’s talk about it!
So, this is the December 2024 release by rapper Ant Kelly and producer DJ Krooked, and together they drop nine songs with just over 20 minutes of content.
Right off the bat, the production by Krooked provides what reminds me of the early 2010s Australian rap scene pre-360. Very rough and rugged, raw around the edges, and has a real independent quality sound to it. You can tell he didn’t worry about polishing or editing the muddy areas of the album and just leaving it harsh as an overall experience, which I think benefits the listening process as a whole!
There are certain beats that sound ambient in nature with trippy, spacey sound loops and experimental noises and inspirations that give off a real ‘outta this world’ atmosphere to the whole thing.
There aren’t too many albums out there that remain to give off a record this sonically bitter and sharp because they are too focused on audience reaction (ironic), but when you do get the rare artists like these that are just worried about making the most grim production possible, then in this day and age, it’s truly a magical experience!
Now, onto Ant. Just like the real thing, this Ant can also carry 20x his own weight in puns, lines, bars, and verses. He ain’t worried about serving no bitch as queen but call him ‘Bull-Ant’ because if you try to climb his hill, he’ll sting you and deliver unimaginable pain you’ll avoid any sign of him again.
Across this short album, he does the most showing off his brutal and dangerous mentality and personality. The first track shows that off in spades, and that sets the tone for the rest of the record.
He has a powerful and poisonous flow and a witty wordplay with smooth lyricism that, just like ants, keeps three legs on the ground at all times while he runs circles around the game, but it ain’t due to no disruption but exhaustion from carrying the game in spite of the lazy competition.
Definitely a dope album! Fantastic chemistry and great vibe all around! Definitely check this one out!
Shoutout to Papdirty for the dope feature!
https://open.spotify.com/album/098RFo3pCQYXR8knJsGmon?si=Kzk4cvn4QmiSZv4utfXZMQ
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