From the courthouse to the studio, creativity rings loud throughout the eclectic original repertoire of hard-working attorney, singer, songwriter, rapper, drummer and producer 17thekid.
As a likable introduction, the heavy bassline and old-school garage vibes of Diamond Dust showcase the sharp bars and faultless flow of 17thekid on the mic. The tone of voice is distinct, the production equally unique in the current climate, and the song resounds with a catchy hook to top things off on a memorable high.
From the album of the same name (Diamond Dust), Thermostat marks a fine example of the inherent versatility of 17thekid. Here we enter a mellow RnB realm, the voice still recognisable, the tempo and beat intensifying as the topic reflects the same sense of heightened emotion and energy. This track is brilliantly catchy, uplifting and awakening, balancing softly-soulful vocal melodies with a grittier production and rap style throughout an infectious two-minutes-thirty.
After this, Snow Cone rains down with a kind of pop-hip-hop fusion of synths and vocal layers – a new flow indicating further diversity of influence. The lyrics drive with a concise metaphor to keep things grounded and familiar, and the verses quicken the pace again for that impressive rap-work that runs throughout much of the Diamond Dust album.
Driven by talent and a passion for creativity, grounded by Faith but elevated by a clear devotion to the details and flair of a finely-crafted and performed modern sound, 17thekid brings both character and commitment to hip hop and RnB, and the music speaks volumes on behalf of both.
One final highlight from the Diamond Dust album is the smoothly presented Hot Chocolate – another production perfectly in keeping with the warmth and softness implied by the title. Here we get a distinct riff, a soulful RnB hook, and fast-paced, performative rap bars that descend in between. It’s a fun track, laid-back but enjoyable, beautifully performed but also with just enough backbone to feel like another confident leader in the realm.
17thekid is quietly carving out an unmissable lane in independent music. Well-worth knowing about.
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