R&BULLY: KANE WAVE FINDS BALANCE WITH “DON’T DRINK THE WATER”
Kane Wave’s eccentric, high-octane 2018 debut Hoodstar was an interesting moment for modern Buffalo Hip-Hop. Bringing the grungy, left-of-underground sound to the city’s forefront, the dynamic rapper’s boldness as an artist has helped him build and refine his music into what it is today - a boundary-less space of thundering 808s, audacious lyricism and pocket croons - or what he likes to call “R&Bully.” The rising artist’s dark aesthetic married with Street Rap and R&B has been on a long, creative journey. But his most recent offering finds a gentler meeting of the 2 genres.
There’s a handful of reasons why Wave’s Don’t Drink The Water sounds grand. For one, we’ve been on this journey with him. Since Hoodstar, the enigmatic singer/songwriter/rapper has experimented with almost every genre. From the soulful ballads on Selfloveclub to steamy, trap-flavored tracks on One Of A Kind to the confessional, rage-induced loose singles throughout his discography, Kane Wave doesn’t hold back when he’s creating - and he’s had impressive execution so far.
Since the last time we spoke with him on the heels of his 2020 R&B record Loverboi release, Wave was fully encompassed in his “Loverboi” persona. Leading with confessional raps and entrenched in his spur-of-the-moment harmonies, the softer side of his sound took center stage - but it didn’t last long before he switched it up ( Cue “Home For Christmas” - a new-gen, novelty, holiday single that dropped late last year). If there’s one thing that we can bet on Kane Wave is that he is unpredictable, and that’s what makes him exciting.
So what stands out on Don’t Drink The Water? Balance. It’s the underlying Midas touch of being a versatile artist. Kane Wave’s gift to fluidly flow between R&B and Rap is in its genius on DDTW, and it doesn’t feel forced. Wave’s rough edges are smoothed out on tracks like “Syndicated Business,” “Got What I Came For,” and “Off Right Now.” He takes the minimal route with great care; his sonics are atmospheric, smooth, and introspective. “Got What I Came For,” is a major standout not only for the impressive features by fellow vocalists Jaymarr and Nelle’, but how well they bounce off of each other. The production value is pristine from the adlibs to the arrangements.
Even as he dials up the energy towards the end of the project, he doesn’t lose the soulful melodies and R&B elements on his more crass tracks. “Slimeball,” “Screws Loose,” “Badnews,” and “Meet Me In Miami” is Kane Wave in his element. Energetic and no-holds-barred is what his listeners love and he delivers. “Slimeball” is an instant turn-up track with thumping percussion and an infectious synth where Kane Wave and K-Pi$tol go back and forth about “trying to get paid,” while “Meet Me In Miami” is a winner’s circle anthem. With calculated bravado and an 80s-inspired groove, Kane Wave finds himself deep in his bag touching on all the parts of being a cocky bachelor. DDTW is such a well-rounded view of Kane Wave’s abilities, it’s not surprising he made his own genre.
#BUFFACOLD: MOLOTAV MALL
Shot by Rob Szobski, Lit716
Notable rapper and entrepreneur Molotav Mall continues to change the narrative. The longtime rhymer known for his brassy anthemic rap tracks and larger-than-life personality grants a new sonic offering on a joint album with rapper Duka Deniro, titled The Dialogue. The 808-pumping, melodic album gives a glimpse into the rapper’s musical palette today; a refreshing take and reintroduction to the artist who has been through some brand changes with businesses and collaborations - but still continues to shine a light on his unique artistry.
“I’m an artist, but more than an artist…I connect people together.”
A personality at the core, the seasoned rhymer first caught our attention in 2019 with the emergence of his recording studio, Chakra Bar Studio. Bringing art, music, and small events to an unassuming area in the city, South Buffalo, Mall’s artistic flare and colorful charisma grew a buzz that elevated himself and his consistent collaborators; talents like singer/songwriter Lindsay Bartlett, energetic rapper Keydolla, and gutter lyricist Madface Mossberg, among many others. Building a foundation off of his music, and also on his studio, gave Molotav Mall a curatorial edge with his work and industry relationships. His early projects like the 2018, 16-track Fuel 4 The People set the tone for his staple sound and position as a dynamic socialite.
“Fuel 4 The People” was a vibe when I was trying to like…bring a positive aspect. “Fuel 4 the People” was motivation music.”
His early mixtape which included its predecessor of the same name is all about positivity and relatability - a theme that can be traced back to his roots. Growing up in downtown Buffalo, and coming from a family of personalities who were also aligned with the entertainment industry, it’s no surprise the rapper and his music are creativity-orientated.
“I grew up in the Perry’s (Perry Projects) and I always had a lot to say. I used to read a lot of books...I used to always write; write poetry, write stories, draw, eventually that turned into expressing myself through music.”
Leading both with an artistic inclination and street sensibility quickly made Molotov Mall an anomaly in the city’s hip-hop scene, and possibly a leader of the rap music movement in South Buffalo. Dropping a slew of singles and small works after his mixtapes and continuing to highlight rising artists, the rhymer continued his work at Chakra Bar Studio until his rebrand last year. The studio is now a smoothie shop - a change due to growing a better relationship with the community is the rapper’s way of maintaining his presence and entrepreneurial grit.
“South Buffalo is segregated…I’m kinda here for a reason to help change the narrative around here. We giving back...There’s no healthy spots. There are only fast food spots and bars…we hangin’ in there.”
Despite Chakra Bar Studios being no more, Molotov Mall’s passionately positive approach to his business changes and his new project, makes for exciting anticipation of what he will do next. With The Dialogue fresh off the press and continuing to make its rounds, it’s clear the seasoned rapper has no sign of stopping. Listen to the project here.
A.I. THE ANOMALY RELEASES “BONNETS & BANTUS”
“Can I paint?” is what Buffalo-based rhymer A.I. The Anomaly says before the simmering breakdown on her new single, “Bonnet & Bantus.” It’s been a while since we’ve heard that same line. Before, it was on her blowout single “Eastside” in 2019; It’s very fitting here too. The faith-based femcee touts the same high energy and her out-of-the-box lyrical prowess on the Carolinah Blu-produced mid-tempo track where she unravels another layer of her womanhood.
With artistic ease, A.I. touches on grind culture, goals, and staying focused. Connecting the prep of black hair care ( Bonnets protect hair and Bantus preserve the state of the hair) with the mindfulness needed to hustle makes the single an instant motivational anthem she hopes will positively impact her listeners.
“As a woman and an entrepreneur who loves hip-hop, I wanted to be encouraged by what I’m listening to so I wanted to create something that would encourage myself,” she explained. “Also motivate those who move like me, those who are in similar spaces. I also wanted to create something that I could share with my daughter… I’m really trying to uplift women, uplift people in general, no matter where you come from you can do something. You can create the world that you want to create for yourself.”
Adorned with textured sounds from oozing synths to trap-flavored drums - a premier sound profile from the dream team that is Blu and A.I., the song ultimately pushes the message of self-love, personal growth, and determination. Particularly after the bridge, A.I gets more transparent - it almost sounds like she’s speaking directly to her daughter or maybe to her younger self. Lyrics like “Look into my eyes until I find you little girl/ Lost on a road I will find you little girl… No matter where you come from grow something, little girl,” finds the Christian rhymer at one of the most introspective points in the song - and discography so far. For us, this deeply emotional and climatic masterpiece is more proof that the staple lyricist’s creativity has no bounds. Listen to the new song below!
JAY AQUARIOUS’s “DREAM REALITY” ALBUM REVIEW
Singer/songwriter Jay Aquarious has always been one to push boundaries. When we interviewed him shortly after the release of his first major project Naked in 2021, the performer was in a process of embracing and solidifying his musical style and image as a genre-bending pop artist, but his most recent offering Dream Reality digs deeper, pushing his non-conforming, larger-than-life sound to the max.
“When making this project, I really wanted to create something more scenic, more atmospheric yet futuristic, intergalactic and spiritual,” Aquarious shared.
The sultry r&b elements and hip-hop influence of Naked are completely replaced with heavy techno synths, thick organ melodies and touches of autotune on Dream Reality - a daring and exciting change that ultimately adds a new dimension to the artist’s sonic capabilities.
The second track, which shares the same name as the album, sets the stage; With whispering synths and simmering hi-hats, Jay Aquarious sings into a crescendo about manifesting his reality, and finding beauty in moments, before the song crashes into a beefy instrumentation of layered pianos with a blazing falsetto by Aquarious at the end. In layman's terms, it's a dance-oriented groove, intricately made in a way that still captures Jay’s soulful pop style.
“I want people to see I'm willing to play with more than one type of genre,” Jay Aquarious added, “even possibly something genreless.”
Tracks like “Laid Back, Sunny Day” and “Personal Savior” were also out of the scope of the artist’s traditional sound. In both songs, we find Jay in his higher register vocally. Consistent collaborator and rapper Ethan the Clever who worked on select tracks with Jay can be heard echoing the lyrics in tenor on “Laid Back, Sunny Day.” The minimalist, light feel of “Laid Back, Sunny Day” is in direct contrast to the grand, emotive sounds of “Personal Savior” which outlines the thrust of an intense romantic relationship.
“Personal Savior” is the first beat [that was] produced for me and the first spiritual song I ever wrote,” Jay Aquarious explained. “It was supposed to be about a guy, but it was too gospel for that, and I was in a gospel phase. This was one of the most challenging ones to write next to “Laid back, Sunny Day.” I asked Ethan The Clever to help me write the verses on that one - that was my first time letting someone do that. He did so good and sounded so good demonstrating it that I had to make it a duet and put him on it. He’s a great writer and I love his singing voice.
Even in the experimentation and collaborative effort of Dream Reality, it is quite clear Jay Aquarious' knack for creating grooves and songwriting to them is his strong suit. Tracks like “Strobe Lights” and “Immortal Love” are closer to his sweet spot - upbeat instrumentation, an infectious chorus, and a satisfying bridge or breakdown. More specifically the B.O.B and Rick James samples on “Immortal Love” adds dimension to the chorus and gives a gentle nod to Buffalo.
“I looked to my parents for that record and wrote about me and them, and learned not to be anyone’s fool. Ethan almost helped me with that one too, but I decided to tackle it on my own again and finally got what I wanted,” Jay Aquarious concluded about “Immortal Love.”
Overall, Jay Aquarious’s sophomore project is a colorful display of his musical range. From the soulful pop fierceness of Naked to the otherworldly electronic ballads on Dream Reality, Aquarious’s skill of songwriting and song structure stands through and is very uniquely and enjoyably his brand. Listen to the project exclusively on Soundcloud.
FOLLOW JAY AQUARIOUS ON INSTAGRAM : @JAYAQUARIOUS
GET TO KNOW DONNIE BOY
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Donnie Boy is bringing a new, exciting flavor to Buffalo with his freeform hip-hop sound and production. Experimenting with r&b, hyper-pop, rap & rock, the producer-turned-rapper is creating his own lane as an artist that could bend into any genre. We got to speak with him in October about his experience as a transplant in Buffalo, his music-making process, who he’s inspired by, and his 2 most recent project releases Live Life to the Fullest and Dazed Nights = Special Occasions.
Watch Below and listen to Donnie Boy’s music on the #BUFFACOLD 2022 Playlist Here
Follow Donnie Boy on IG: @donnieboy4tt