Ish Kevin
Ish Kevin | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1994 |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation | Rapper |
Ish Kevin is a Rwandan drill rapper. He is cited as the founder of the Kinyatrap[1][2] movement and spinoff Trappish movement[3] and is the founder of the label imprint Trappish Records.[1] He has been ranked No. 9 on the Top 12 Best African Rappers of 2021 by The Native,[2][4] and the song "No Cap" has been placed on the 7 Hard Drill Tracks from Around the World by GRM Daily.[5]
Career
[edit] | This section is missing information about beginning of his career and earlier releases (Trappish and Trappish II). (February 2025) |
Ish Kevin released the album Blood Sweat & Tears (shortened to BST) on September 23, 2023. The album features 10 tracks and has multiple appearances from other Rwandan artists such as Shemi and Bobby Bangs. Ish Kevin told Rwandan newspaper The New Times that the album explores the challenges and struggles he faced growing up, and the bright vision he had for his music career. Kevin progressed musically from the drill and rap sound of his previous works, with him saying the album is a fusion of modern genres and traditional Rwandan sound. The album's intro starts with a sample of Ruti Joel's "Kwivuga" vocals, popular in traditional Rwandan ceremonies, and the ninth track features additional melodies from the Inanga. The album was produced by various Rwandan producers such as Pro Zed, Joeka$$h, and Bailey Pro among others.[6]
On June 13, 2024, Ish Kevin released his third extended play (EP) Semana. The EP, named after himself, was thought by many to be a response to the Zeo Trap diss track "Sinabaye", but Kevin denied this—saying it focuses on himself and his desires in the music industry. Semana was received positively by fans, with a majority picking the opening song "Iki?".[7]
Ish Kevin released the single "Africa Rise" in February 2025. The song shares themes of African unity, resilience, self-representation,[8] and the beauty of Africa.[9] The song was produced by Just Mike and Juni Quickly[8] and mastered by Bob Pro.[9] The song immediately began trending on various streaming platforms.[9]
Influence and legacy
[edit]Nigerian music magazine The Native ranked Kevin at No. 9 on the Top 12 Best African Rappers of 2021, regarding him as of the best and biggest Drill artists in Africa and by extension one of the best and biggest rap artists in Africa. The magazine proclaimed that his "gift as a formidable rap artist" was undeniable along with his "star power", citing a recent stadium-sized headlining concert as evidence.[2] The Native also said that "every output from [Ish Kevin] felt definitive", proclaiming his first release of 2021, "Amakosi", as "an insanely catchy anthem with the conceited hallmarks of Brooklyn drill, but with a distinctly Rwandan pulse via Ish Kevin’s lingual choice, his titanic presence and limber flow over the groovy beat."[2] "Akamosi" also received over one million views on Youtube.[1]
In November 2021, the song "No Cap" was placed on the 7 Hard Drill Tracks from Around the World list by British music outlet GRM Daily, which cited Kevin as the front of the drill scene forming in Rwanda. Author Joe Hale wrote, "his flows and cadence on the mic are undeniable, along with his overall persona."[5]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
Extended plays
- Semama (2024)[7]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Askin, Christian (April 26, 2022). "Ish Kevin, Trappish Music and Rwanda's hip-hop generation". Pan-African Music.
- ^ a b c d e f Animashaun, Damilola (December 13, 2021). "The Best Rappers of 2021, Ranked". The Native. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
- ^ a b Mpogazi, Rika (March 25, 2022). "Kinyatrap: the gritty soundtrack of Kigali's new rap generation". Pan African Music. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ^ Gatera, Emmanuel (May 9, 2023). "Trappish Records label, studio finally opens in Kigali". The New Times. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ a b Hale, Joe (November 10, 2021). "Drill Worldwide: 7 Hard Drill tracks from around the world". GRM Daily. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
- ^ Gatera, Emmanuel (September 21, 2023). "Ish Kevin drops debut album 'BST'". The New Times. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Gatera, Emmanuel (June 21, 2024). "EP review: 'Semana' by Ish Kevin". The New Times. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Wangechi, Tela (February 7, 2025). "Ish Kevin's New Song "Africa Rise" Inspires Unity and Self-Expression". Hiphop Africa. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c Gatera, Emmanuel (February 8, 2025). "On the charts: Ish Kevin, Bushali, Yee Fanta and co. drop new hits". The New Times. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Gatera, Emmanuel (October 23, 2023). "It's a huge motivation for young rappers: Ish Kevin on meeting President Kagame". The New Times. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ Gatera, Emmanuel (September 21, 2023). "Ish Kevin drops debut album 'BST'". The New Times. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
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