TRCK OF THE WEEK: 1KIAO - KAGITLAHANAN

It’s been a long while since I’ve written something about a rap release or some local hip-hop news. This whole new system of college is eating me up dry; readings, paper work, and recitations (or anything that starts with an ‘r’). And it’s been awhile since I’ve actually heard some stuff that are worth listening to since my I’ve been left a ton of hip-hop recommendations outside my usual circle of friends and some of them i’ve actually checked out and gave it a listen. And out of all the tracks that I’ve listened to while in class is a track called “Kagitlahanan” by rap trio 1Kiao.

1Kiao is a hip-hop project consisted of rappers Invictus and Lanzeta from Olongapo City (you guys might have heard their names in the Fliptop community) and Prolet, who is from Baguio City. All of them are coming from different sides of Northern Luzon to group up in this joint project. “Kagitlahanan” is produced by NOFACE RECORDS resident producer Mocksmile.

The track starts off with Prolet’s conscious rap with a bit flow control. His voice is the most unique out of three rappers. His verse sets the tone of the entire track. His verse then transitioned to a bridge where Invictus came in the last bars of the hook. Prolet then gave way for Lanzeta’s aggressive, in-your-face double time rapping that reminds me of 187 Mobstaz. 1Kiao then all go together in the chorus that brings up subjects such as sacrifice and death in the direst situations. Invictus comes in the last verse, he talks about how humans gamble with life while life offers no second chances. Mocksmile’s rattling hi-hats, glitch bass kicks, and haunting synths that have this Bones or JPEGMAFIA influence in the production.

Overall, this track gave so much promise to each and one of every emcee. It’s like none of them have verses that are easily disposable, one after the other they went bar after bar with a touch of conscious rap and hardcore rap too. The production was spot on and added this new flavour in the modern day hip-hop beat. I suggest everyone here to listen to 1Kiao, they hold so much promise together as a unit and also per individual as well.

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