Few Quebec producers release solo albums – because, yes, many are more than just beatmakersDespite the talent of local composers and the ability of some to export their music, rappers remain at the forefront.
However, at just 22 years old, KingAlexBeats, Alexander Rivera Escobar by his real name, has just released a second opus, King at birth. Despite the title and his stage name, he doesn’t proclaim himself to be the sovereign of anyone. His father has called him KingAlex since he was a baby, and he played a key role in the development of the young musician of Salvadoran, Ecuadorian and Guatemalan origins. Whether in Ville-Émard or Laval, there has always been a studio at home. It turns out that his father has been recording under the name Doc Filo, in a duo with Mc Pipo, since 1995.
The pair also opens the album with the song Opinionsin the corrido style, a Mexican genre. A few other pieces with Latin sounds slip in among the 18 on the program. Let us mention among others the lively Vitaminwith Cruzito, and the pretty Still in Lovewith Angelitø, among the most successful. The mix of genres does not affect the cohesion in any way, but rather ensures a very welcome variety.
On the rap side, the beat of Ketchupwhich recalls the seaside, seems tailor-made for FouKi. He raps: “For the good vibe I can move/I am able to find the good in the bad days”.
Change of tone on KDBwith a trap rhythm, and an explosive Shreez. The approach is similar for JFCon which MikeZup lands. The soothing xylophone of Sum slows down the pace nicely and gives the space needed to Peeda, Salgrimo and Obia the Chief.
Without being bad, the songs in the middle of the album were less convincing. However, the last stretch is very successful, a rarity for works with many titles.
It starts with the slightly retro rap-R&B of Priorityperformed by Samalong and Maky Lavender. A female presence was more than necessary and the latter delivers a short verse skillfully crafted. Unsurprisingly, Mike Shabb offers one of the highlights of the album on NFNC. Then, a little later, Kevin Na$h provides another one on VillainsIn both cases, the MCs demonstrate a mastery of a style that seems “effortless,” but is far from being within everyone’s reach.
Finally, let us note the solid performances of Cyrano de Montréal (Sharm El Sheikh) and Jay Seven (Racks on Racks), who co-host the podcasts respectively Rapolitik And Pod’Casque.
The leap that KingAlexBeats made between Kingpublished in 2022, and King at birth is remarkable. Let’s bet that his next releases will continue to impress.
Excerpt from Ketchupby KingAlexBeats (with FouKi)
Rap
King at birth
KingAlexBeats
One Dream Studio