Remi Kolawole, more commonly known by his stage name “Remi” has now established himself as a fully-fledged Aussie Hip Hop prodigy. The release of his second feature length LP “RAW X INFINITY” sees him once again on board with long time collaborators/producers (and good friends) Sensible J & Dutch. Previous releases ‘Childish’ (EP), ‘Regular People Sh$t’ (LP) and Mix Tape ‘F.Y.G ACT:1’ (which spawned break out track ‘Sangria’), were necessary stepping stones on the way to this album. They are less the new kids on the block and more the kids who have been round the block a couple of times, are aerobically sound and ready for more!
Warning: From the moment this album commences, you will be glued to whatever type of seat you are currently occupying. The opening and title track “raw x infinity” is a non-stop surging force that (whether you like it or not) propels you deep into this rapper’s world and paves the way for what is to follow. This is easily one of the better Track 1’s I have heard in a long while. From the opening line “…Remi keeps the fans sucked in like lipo, Remi keeps the style ten below ice cold…” he stamps his authority on this album. Another interesting and I think, really awesome component to this track is its apparent lack of chorus! ‘… no special effects, I got no chorus…’ States Remi. Always keeping it real for his audience. With that being said, the impressive nature of this added element is everything flows exactly as it should. As if the normal verse/chorus structure was followed to a “T”. This is no easy feat for any style of musician and highlights his lyrical prowess and maturity.
Throughout the entirety of the album, Remi showcases his amazing ability to draw from all aspects of his life, moulding and shaping his unique sound before gracing us with the final product. Remi also possesses a very indispensable quality in his ability to be (for lack of a better word) blunt. Not only is this an attribute to his fast paced rap styles but, a refreshing change to the dime-a-dozen, stand off-ish artist, afraid to portray themselves in a bad light or say how they really feel. Kolawole describes this as ‘…food for thought…’ in his full frontal track ‘Ode to Ignorance’.
There is only one style this hip hop trio knows and that is to be in your face and raw! This approach does not suit all but for someone like Remi with the talent, confidence and distinct real feel… this is certainly a gun in their arsenal. Tracks ‘Ode to ignorance’ and ‘F.O.H (For Opinionated Humans)’ are among the highlights and touch upon some of the important, recurring issues raised on the LP including racial discrimination. An issue very close to the artist being, himself, of Nigerian descent. Easily in a league of its own though is, ‘LIVIN’. This powerful, piano hook driven melody will mesmerise and have you revisiting this track until every word is second nature.
RAW X INFINITY is testament to the leaps and bounds Remi, Dutch and Sensible J have made in just a short time at the wheel. The trio have proven themselves to be an ever evolving, well-oiled cog in the music industry machine. I can only hope for more of the same and will be anxiously anticipating any/all new material from the trio.
Loading ...
