Spoken word and performance poetry has always had the power to inspire, influence and galvanise, perhaps more so than straight-up rap. Artists like Scroobius Pip, Saul Williams and George the Poet have tackled social and political issues head-on using the aesthetics of word play and storytelling.
Kojey Radical is part of this new wave of performance poets who speak vividly on today's social and political climate in a similar way to Gil Scott Heron's prevalent call to arms The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. His voice is strong, relevant and contemporary over stark rising 808's. Basslines hum and buzz as sounds wash in and out, encircling his bold and confrontational lyrics.
London's New Machine has crafted the Delphian trap infused production following his celebrated collaboration with Wretch 32, Kano and Chip.
Open Hand tackles ideas of separation through class and race. Kojey offers a perspective inspired by unity and togetherness, opposing the closed fist approach of aggression acting as a direct juxtaposition to his tone and presence in the instrumentation.
“Heard notions of positivity discarded like pieces of puzzles.
Muzzled echoes of greatness in fear.
Society may not feel the same elations.
We no longer need to close our fists for the revolution.”
Having just supported Mercury prize winning Young Fathers on a nationwide tour, Kojey is showing his rising importance as an artist and voice for a new generation. This has been further exemplified by garnering the attention of Paloma Faith, Maverick Sabre, GoldLink, Tinie Tempah and actress Zawe Ashton.
Kojey Radical says "The revolution is not in the closed fist it’s in the open hand because an open hand represents acceptance. Something we all need to learn to embrace.”
Truth.
Kojey Radical on the web: Pushcrayons | Twitter | Facebook
