British rapper KOJ shares an electrifying debut EP, “Villain With A Conscience”, and a deeply affecting visual for the lead single “SINterlude”, which Wonderland delve into below.
There’s a bold and uncompromising potency in KOJ’s backstreet anthems. He’s unafraid of portraying himself imperfectly, and dissecting his complex intentions in front of the listener’s gaze, as if he’s talking directly into a one-way mirror. His debut EP, “Villain With A Conscience” is a paragon of such grounded authenticity; across six absorbing and cinematic cuts, the Liverpudlian rapper tackles his past personal strife, finding turmoil in his decisions but ultimately mediating on how he can reach a state of enlightenment, and of growth.
KOJ’s pen game is crisp and characterful. His scouse intonation adds colour and character to his sharp and piercing flows, gliding atop the emotive and immersive palettes, most of which come from long term collaborative producer TEE. One of the cuts that has the beatsmith to thank for the sonics is “SINterlude”, the EP’s stellar lead single that sees its writer delve deep into his psyche, questions his own intentions and find truth in his own honesty. The track comes accompanied by a visceral video, directed by YawOwusu and shot by frequent collaborator Ollie Bradley-Baker, which strikingly depicts the painstaking thematic context.
Speaking on the track, KOJ adds, “I touch on real life events as well as painting a vivid picture of what life can look like from my perspective – whereby I am glad I have survived so much and have experienced so much but I also have to balance survivor’s guilt and finding a way forward whilst carrying that baggage.”
Watch the video for “SINterlude” below…
Listen to the EP…
