Redefining hip-hop with Kofi Stone

 Drugs, sex, and violence. Three of the topics Kofi Stone has NOT once rapped about. We are accustomed to hearing the humdrum verses fuelled by rapper’s fixation on fellatio and drug use that it’s surprising when we hear an artist avoid such subjects. Fresh on the UK’s urban scene rises Kofi Stone, London-born, Birmingham-raised lyrical genius, and all-around cool guy. His poetical flow in rap proves he doesn’t have to overcompensate with a stereotype so heavily pushed onto us by the majority of hip-hop artists who project this ‘bad boy’ image. In turn, Stone focuses entirely on the artistry of creating his own unique sound amongst the inspiration he’s found from all corners of music, most notably 90’s hip hop and jazz. His jazz hip-hop fusion style could be compared to Common with jazzy piano chords carrying a chilled beat. His lyrical style bears a similarity to that of Loyle Carner, another pivotal pioneer in the laidback alternate rap scene. 

 Metaphors on the fickleness of success, relationships and religion, Kofi takes an individual approach to writing his lyrics. They carry a realness to them which gives a certain charm, rather than inciting materialism, misogyny, and violence. Stone is redefining today’s hip-hop by establishing that an urban sound can be created with real talent and taste without his verses sounding a prosecution statement. Put aside the term “hip hop rapper”, He should be considered an ‘urban wordsmith’, crafting his lines in an almost poetical manner. It’s artists like Kofi Stone who are dismantling the barriers between rap and poetry. He creates a fusion of inspiration in all areas of his work; genres, beats and lyrical context. narrative of the conventions of a humble coming-of-age story contrasted with that of the life of an urban hip-hop star.

I questioned Kofi on his inspirations of his most recent to which he responded “This last project has ended up somewhat of my own autobiography, I’ve lived a lot and want to speak my truth”. He also paid image to Nas’ album Illmatic which has shaped his music, taking inspiration from his lyrical dexterity and vivid storytelling.

From humble beginnings, Kofi has gained a well-respected platform in the UK R&B scene, now in 2021 rubbing shoulders and collaborating with big names like Loyle Carner, Maverick Sabre and the Silhouettes project. When questioned how he has got to where he is today, Stone in his ultra-mellow manner said, “I worked a lot of support slots [chuckling to himself], probably over 20 in the first year of tryna’ push out my music, it did not come easy; I really grafted for the position i’m in now”. It was after this succession of slots that he ended up supporting the late Mac Miller, one of the most integral founding fathers (or brother if we want to be more on brand) of the boom-bap rap genre. Stone’s skillset is unparalleled, being promoted by such major artists only highlights this to people who may not have been lucky enough to come across his music. Dismantling this barrier between rap and poetry, he has ditched the stereotypical lyricism associated with rap. Replacing the “been heard before bullshit” with his own brand of R&B through his perceptive lyrical manner and nostalgic beats, Kofi Sone has paved the way in ‘redefining hip-hop’.

When asked how being “a black man in a white world” affects him in terms of being a trailblazer in the indie/ alternative R&B scene Kofi responds, “It’s different and its interesting being in that world, its more just a case of educating your audience on your experience, who you are and what you're about. Being real is all I strive to do, also beating the stereotypes projected onto young black guys, especially rappers is a great feeling I get through making my music”.