Released: October 6, 2023

Genre: Hip-hop

From: UK

Label: self-released

Why you should listen: London-based emcee and overall talented artist KOFI has been making some of the most interesting hip-hop coming out of the city in recent years. Inspired by the experimental and ever-evolving sound of the underground hip-hop scenes from both the States as well as the UK, the artist has come through with a short but punchy project titled “!”. The 10-minute EP contains some soul samples, sometimes muffled by the drums and KOFI’s monotonous but poignant voice, flowing effortlessly over colourful and sometimes disorienting production. Produced by the likes of Tony Thom, FROwNS, JUNIE, Spruce and Kip c, the project is soulful and eclectic, with a cohesion to it that is brought together by KOFI’s vision, with verses that meander effortlessly throughout. “!” is an immersive listen, and one that helps place KOFI firmly on the map of exciting new voices of the city.

The project: