”The Different Kids” Goes to Show Kwamé Hasn’t Lost a Step, First LP in Over 3 Decades (Album Review)

Queens, New York emcee, producer & singer/songwriter Kwamé making a comeback after over 3 decades with his 5th studio LP. Signing to Atlantic Records in the late 80s, his debut The Boy Genius & the conceptual sophomore effort A Day in the Life: a Pokadelick Adventure would both become well received in their own rights, although I can’t the same for either Nastee or Incognito. Now commemorating the 10-year anniversary of his own label Make Noise Recordings, the East Coast veteran is returning & has brought The Different Kids with him.

“The Kwamé Show” is a sample-heavy intro talking about how there ain’t nobody like him almost 4 decades into the game but after the “Mom’s Grocery List” interlude, “Hello / Anybody?” moves forward with a 2-parter getting caught up in his zone. “Stroke Dif’rent” after the “3:00 AM” interlude goes for a funkier vibe talking about The Different Kids ruling the world leading into the “You Don’t Work Hard” interlude.

Meanwhile on “Adulthood”, we have The Boy Genius taking the boom bap route instrumentally welcoming listeners to the state of full maturity while the danceable “Lemme Git (All Owt)” asks where the inner strength is because of all this weakness. “No Way, Go Away” gives off a bit of a soulful edge refusing to waste his energy on bullshit leading into the single “Ms. Mary Mack” showcasing his wordplay abilities.

Lady Tigra gets her own song with the 68 second “Ole Skool Rappah” talking about her traditional values when it comes to MCing while “Nobody” sampling “La Di Da Di” by Slick Rick so he can stay in his lane. After the “New Beginning” interlude, “Kwamé 2 Kwamé” dabbles with electronics for a message from his future self while “There Eye Go” ends by talking about not needing a reintroduction.

Displaying several facets of Kwamé’s multi-hyphenated artistic personality, The Different Kids coincides with the new Rakim EP The Re-Up produced by Big Ghost Ltd. as another example of hip hop’s pioneers returning after a decade or over of inactivity to make quality additions to their discographies that further cement their longevities. He blends witty braggadocio, captivating storytelling & occasional social with precisely dexterous flows & production that details his resilient creativity.

Score: 9/10