With Coast Clear, Joe Kingz makes a bold debut into the music scene

By Tosin Clegg

With the release of his debut EP, Coast Clear, emerging artiste, Joe Kingz steers into the music scene with an aspiration that is vocally expressive and rooted with stories. Made up of six tracks the EP is a bold attempt to introduce his sound to listeners which is predominantly a blend of Afro fusion and hip hop.

The first track, Hardknock Life opens the EP and quickly gives you the familiar feeling like you know the person you are listening to. Although less than 70 seconds it surely does set the tone on what to expect. Totori followed next and still gave the familiar impression but with a featured act, Sp3ncer doing his quota the song took a different approach serving listeners soft melodious rhythms that makes you chorus along. The infusion of ‘Akwaaba’ and ‘My Lover’ in the chorus gave the song a note to remember but can we say it rightly connects to the song?

With Men Dem he experiments as he infuses the Igbo language which spilled into our eyes as the song starts. Followed by a rap verse and back to the chorus sung in Igbo the track shines bright further showing his artistic side and the ability to blend culture into his sound. Featuring Teeben who sang in Igbo it surely gave the EP a mid point experience.

Something Special featuring Davex and Deblixboy is the icing on the cake as the song melodious beats and rhythms complemented the intro verse which had tender vocals. Blending the Yoruba lyrics into the song was also brilliant but delivery wise it needed a little refinement but the chorus covers up giving the song the edge it needed. One thing is certain it’s a danceable tune which you won’t forget anytime soon.

Young Rugged and Nice, YRN a new tempo is attempted here which is commendable and accompanied with subtle bounce, danceable tone and relatable lyrics. With Ozybone it gave the song the perfect complement it needed to stand tall which stretched the overall delivery of the song to be as expected. A good try which makes you feel the direction they wanted to achieve but in as much it could have been better it was indeed a good track.

The closer, Fly Away is an embodiment of emotions with a sense of hope, clarity and strength that even when things are not working out well for you, you just need to stay strong and believe that your coast is clear and you need to keep moving forward. Featuring Nioray on the song both artistes indeed did a great job as they wrapped up the EP in an applaudable note. The combined strong vocal projection seasoned with genuine emotions and told in heartfelt lyrics was achieved as it is felt undertone.

‘Coast Clear’ surely gave different offers in terms of lyrics, genres and delivery but the overall attempt is to carry listeners on a soft trip down to the actual goal that no matter what they are going through in life their Coast can be Clear if only they can believe and keep going. With this Joe Kingz has shown a genuine promise as a rising star with a chance to impact the industry and more importantly he has room for improvement.

Undoubtedly the EP leaves you wanting more as one can sense there is a lot that can be offered and with this foundation his future projects are bound to resonate and define his artistry a lot better.