picture of indie artist KidddcoryThe digitally released New Kiddd On Tha Block is an ambitious and largely successful first full length project from Youngstown, Ohio artist Kidddcory. Ambitious because, at 16 tracks with only 2 features (both by fellow No Signal collective member Grizzly), the burden is fully on the back of Kidddcory to deliver. Largely successful because except for a few missteps this artist has rolled out an eminently listenable collection of thoughtful tracks both autobiographical and topical in nature.

Albums intros are tricky terrain. The 1:44 minute intro to New Kiddd On Tha Block sprints through KidddCory’s repertoire and musical tastes; almost like sample snapshots, but it’s not clear from listening to it what to expect next. A lot of producers would have left it out of the finished product. The track “Revelation” is the real launch. The early Kanye-esque piece is a perfect confirmation that you’re listening to an artist who can do it. “I got bars!” he flows. No lie.

Listening to New Kiddd On Tha Block is a reminder that on every project the straw that stirs the drink is the music producer. Throughout this one, Gnosis does an incredible job of laying down a canvas that the painted words adhere to like a Michelangelo or Cezanne. The rhythmic flow is commendable, the interludes perfectly timed, and the creativeness jumps right out at you. For example, using the 1950’s standard by The Chordettes, “Mr. Sandman” as a backdrop for “Sandman” is bold. That it works to frame the lyrics Kidddcory lays over them is beautiful.

“My flow tight” Kidddcory spits on “Look Into My Eyes” and it had to be tight to keep up with the pulsating piano and drums pushing behind it.  Kidddcory is an inventive, gifted lyricist. I’d guess his musical influences are wide ranging but clearly he’s studied Kanye, Kendrick, and J. Cole a bit. You feel that in the wordplay and timing. In “Soul” ft Grizzly, produced by Freado he spits, “You don’t know the Kiddd, I follow Cole.”

The title track “New Kiddd on Tha Block” is good, but “Star” is the best example of Kidddcory’s talent with everything coalescing in terms of beats and timing. The album closes out with “Heaven & Hell” which has some excellent beats, haunting keyboard work, “Summertime” with another Grizzzly feature, and the bouncy “I Get By” with the lyrics “Got the keys to success but the door wide open.”

“Here We Go”, “Wealth”, “I Go Crazy” and the bonus track “Keith Sweat” are all nice. “Here We Go” is a drum and keyboard triumph that’s one of those songs that pushes you through your memory bank trying to figure out what artist it reminds you of.

“New Kiddd on Tha Block” is an admirable debut. A listener won’t push play and bail half way through. It’s laid back listenable and enjoyable. We’re looking forward to watching Kidddcory’s journey.

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