With their roots going all the way back to 2014, Kaytranada and Aminé are two artists that have basked in their own glory in recent times – Kaytranada notably being one of the biggest producers and contemporary DJs in music right now. Captivating in every aspect, selling out live shows across the world and being front and centre at all popular music discourse in the last few years, he seems to be everywhere, despite only releasing one track last year – “Twin Flame” with Anderson Paak. Aminé, who first came to the consciousness of Kaytranada after releasing a bootleg remix of his 2013 track “At All,” has been experimenting with his sound and musical stylings ever since. His previous album TWOPOINTFIVE dabbled in club music and hyperpop in a way never really attempted before. An exciting rapper in multiple aspects, his experimentation and sheer creativity goes together well with the likes of Kaytranada. Both of them have worked with a variety of massive artists on their own projects respectively. Beyonce, Drake and Kehlani to name but a few. So what happens when they come together for a much-anticipated full collaboration?
The combination of Kaytranada’s production prowess and Aminé's silky raps blend harmoniously throughout to make for a debut that brings forward a new era for them both. Opener “Who He Iz” with its swaggering beat kicks off the album with an assured confidence, meanwhile rap veteran Freddie Gibbs assists on “letstalkaboutit” – a track that flaunts all of their riches. Latest track “Rebuke” has a smooth R’n’B feel. The track also ingeniously carries essences of Brazilian artist Lo Borges' 1979 track “Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser,” bringing a fresh new influence to their eclectic table.
The standout of the album comes from first single “4EVA,” which is accompanied by backing vocals from music’s all-rounder Pharrell. With its slinky production, it’s an irresistible track with a solid groove. A real hip-shaker and something that feels very much like a B-side of Kaytranada’s 2019 album BUBBA, but not all of the album is filled with pure summer vibes.
Another excitement surrounding this release was the anticipation of further collaborations and who will be adding some extra edge to proceedings.. and there are some cracking features here. “Eye” with Snoop Dogg feels incredibly familiar with its West Coast feel and low rolling beat – a feature synonymous with any classic Snoop Dogg appearance. Ghanaian singer Amaarae adds an extra flair to afropop influenced “Sossaup” to make for a track that is effortlessly cool, whilst Big Sean’s appears on the steady paced “Master P,” which also includes a lo-fi outro to close it off. Album closer “K & A” carries a lyric that feels so ampt for the release as a whole: “doing what we want because we want”. This album is the pair doing what feels good, just because.
It's clear throughout that neither of them take prominence in terms of sonic influences. It’s a shared effort. On an album that displays both of their singular talents in equal measure, the force that is KAYTRAMINÉ is born. Two friends that go way back with a deep and rich history, it is a combination of artists that simply works. With the creative flair that both of these artists possess, this album could have gone in any direction, but this way just feels right. An assured and confident debut and packed to the brim with style, it is equal parts familiar just as it is surprising.
