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TRCK REVIEW: ANO NA? - KIYO FT. CVLVIN


Lately I’ve been on the search for the next big thing/currently the big thing in the age of Spotify, Soundcloud, or the internet in general. Shortly after being disappointed in joining an online group that consisted of the same members circle jerking the same list of rappers in their “best” or “list of rappers you should listen to” listicles, I discovered this young and upcoming rapper that has the potential to shift styles/concepts comfortably whenever he wants to despite the large following.

Kiyo is a young rapper from Navotas City, he’s known to release a four-track EP titled Rooftop Mixtape that consists of borrowed but not monetized Shiloh-type beats from YouTube last year and it caused him the wide local traction. In the context of the Soundcloud rapper, gaining the listens in staggering numbers shows an overwhelming amount of support from your online audience (one of Kiyo’s tracks was viewed over a whopping one million views on YouTube that clocked in over a minute and a half). It’s a given that you’ll be given loyalty to various people in the scene who find your music to be therapeutic. Ever since he has released “Love Over Lust” and “Not Even Her” last year, it was suspected for others that the young rapper might become a one-hit wonder. But since he’s moved on to another style and shied away from the typical lo-fi acoustic “hugot” rap, Kiyo’s style can be versatile if paired with a beat that may be outside of his comfort zone, which led everyone in the “internet music” spectrum root for the kid’s shift of style later in the future.

While his radar is steaming hot, and by steaming hot, his devoted fanbase will be all over you if you say something against the style that he used to incorporate in the past, Kiyo has worked with a bunchof friends and producers that might help him stick in one consistent rap style/character. Almost a month ago, he sang impressively in an Alisson Shore assisted track called “Urong; Sulong” and a few weeks ago, him and his close colleague in his circle, CVLIN, have released what supposed to be a filler track called “Ano Na?” but it turned out to be another hit for the youngster.

In “Ano Na?”, Kiyo and CVLVIN are take one turn and one verse. Being a track that was intended to be "for fun", this beat was borrowed but it’s free online as expected. The song lasts for around two minutes and a half and the two have a very clear direction to what they’re rapping about. The former, CVLVIN, raps about how he’s amazed to see the most beautiful person, while the latter, Kiyo similarly raps the same thing CVLVIN did but did it two times better by comparing the person as something to glance over the beauty of that someone. It sounds cliché but comparing Kiyo’s Repablikan-style rapping to seeing him make use of a Ron Henley-esque kind of mini-storytelling in his verse. While CVLVIN in the other hand needs to broaden his character ever since he’s launched decent material, but it falls a bit subpar when it comes to capturing a concept in the track so far.

Separating from the fact that the production wasn’t made by a producer that doesn't really belong in their own networks (i suggest that these guys should rightfully scout for producers while they still have the time to be spoiled), Kiyo has shown clear signs of improvement while CVLVIN was appropriately placed as second best in this track. Overall, it’s a fun track to listen to if you’re looking for something to sing along to. But both boys have potential and skill, hope that they could use their skill responsibly.

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