Recommended Tracks: “Town’s Dead,” “No Hands,” “Casio”
Artists You May Like: Hoodie Allen, Skizzy Mars, Mike Posner
He came on strong in 2018 with his debut EP, Deli Daydreams, which showcased his knack for storytelling and gifted ability to create enthralling music. Receiving warm praise for the project and opportunities to tour with slowthai and Lana Del Ray, Kojaque proved that he was more than just a hip-hop artist from a deadbeat town. Yet, there is no doubt that Dublin had a major impact on Kojaque’s drive to break out and make it as a musician. So, after spending six years creating his debut album mostly on his laptop, Kojaque presents us with a collection of 16 songs that take us through a night out in Dublin. Filled with moments that are equally humorous and destructive, Town’s Dead will ultimately have you reflecting on the main question Kojaque has posed all along – is the town dead or “just dormant?”
The basic concept of Town’s Dead consists of a love triangle occurring on New Year’s Eve in Kojaque’s hometown. While giving us tracks that focus on the complexity of this narrative, such as the sultry “Wickid Tongues” and the tumbling “Jinty Boy Blues,” Kojaque also references topics that are a bit heavier, like Brexit and the overwhelming gentrification issue in Dublin. On title track, “Town’s Dead,” instance, Kojaque raps, “Help gentrify the flats to the Hamptons / You could the the house share, try rentin’ / Bit of money for the landlord’s pension / Heads are gonna roll soon, no warning,” shedding light on the devastation that is occurring around him. As unsettling as these subjects are, Kojaque does justice by calling attention to them.
Kojaque also knows what he is doing outside of his all-too-real lyrics, as he composed most of the music on Town’s Dead himself. Featuring elements of modern hip-hop, rap, jazz, and soul, Kojaque created a moody world of light and shadow that oscillate throughout the album. These genres vary from track to track, but on the whole, they are effortlessly sewn together. The sax solo at the end of “Shmelly,” for example, leads into the trap vibes of “That Deep,” which then morph into the easy-flowing jazz that backs “Black Sheep, Pt. I.” The suspense as to how a song will start, end, or deviate from the norm is palpable, which makes for great art.
Anyone who has become familiar with Kojaque over the years knows that he is a master storyteller. Kojaque does not waste a word, and is able to clearly convey conflicting moments from his life, when he was the “only kid too afraid to ride around no hands” or “tryna light up the masses” when he first started rapping. Equipped with his Irish slang and matching accent, Kojaque also incorporates humor, saying “I could tell by the holes in your clothes that you’re loaded,” as he does on the spoken word final track, “Curtains.” There is nothing too personal or too loud for Kojaque to tackle, and his vivid delivery make his songs all the more powerful.
With Town’s Dead, it is no wonder why Kojaque is “a true generational talent.” He can sing, he can write, he can compose, but most importantly, he can use his skills to draw up legitimate response. There might be times on this album when you find yourself taking Kojaque’s side or feeling like you have had similar experiences. His tracks might also help you realize that you are better than what you are going through or capable of giving more than what people expect from you. Still, Kojaque has a way of getting through on Town’s Dead, and is pioneering a revolution in the Irish rap game.
You can listen to Town’s Dead on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
See Kojaque on tour here.
Keep up with Kojaque: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website
