Dublin's hip-hop community are making waves right now.
Boss of Soft Boy Records, enigmatic film maker, producer and MC Kojaque is close to the centre of this, helping to push the creativity forward.
His jazz-inflected beats swerve hip-hop tropes, seeking out something a bit more human, at times almost fragile.
Commenting recently Kojaque said he wants to present "bravado but at the same time insecurity. That’s the thing with a lot of hip-hop, it’s this veneer from the outside looking in, of this unstoppable person or hero that’s almost emotionless.”
New mixtape 'Deli Daydreams' is out now, with the Dublin artist commenting that "some of the songs feel more personal and some feel more like accurate reflections of the situation we’re in as young people trying to live and work in this city. I think it’s easy to fall into that feeling of hopelessness, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel, there’s light in the people making art in this city. That’s where the hope lies for me."
Standout track 'Eviction Notice' showcases Kojaque's tender side, the brushed beats and lingering piano notes underpinning a beautifully earnest vocal.
Directed by Hugh Mulhern, the video picks up on this, an intimate introduction to the world this bold artist inhabits.
Tune in now.
Catch Kojaque at the following shows:
November
27 Bristol Crofters Rights
28 London Corsica Studios (venue upgraded)
29 Manchester Yes, Basement
December
5 Cork Cyprus Avenue
6 Dublin The Academy (Sold Out)
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