2019 has been a relatively underwhelming year for music thus far. Through the first quarter of the year we’ve gotten hype>quality projects from big names like Future, Offset, Solange (I know, I’m sorry) and 2 Chainz and a slew of random singles from other artists teasing future albums without dates. But, in the midst of a storm of mediocrity shine brightest the gems you didn’t realize you were looking for. That sums up the debut project Kid Paradox from up and coming Soundcloud artist Siapha. I’ve never been a particularly big fan of Soundcloud, both because there’s too much garbage to sift through and because frustratingly, the few gems from indie artists I enjoy can’t be put on my playlists over on Spotify. However, the lone reason I’ve continued opening my Soundcloud app this year has been running back the uniquely conversational and sample-heavy Kid Paradox.
True to its title, California rapper/producer Siapha showcases the range to reach from feel good party to contemplative late night drive joint. Siapha showcases a simple but conversational flow over a variety of smooth production, paired together by skits ranging from deep thoughts from himself and his inspiring Liberian mother to comedic relief via throwback movies and tv shows, such as I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. I might argue there are a few too many skits between the tracks but I also could not pick a one that’s out of place or could be removed to enhance the pacing. As the project spins track to track, the conversational nature of the skits match the tempo of the music. Coming in at only 39 minutes, the skits and voiceovers are also never so time-consuming that they distract from the music itself.
Siapha shows off his unique ear for samples in his choice of skits, but also in the production work. No song exemplifies the ear for all the above better than single, and best song, “Steve Jobs”. It opens with powerful thoughts on love from his mama and a sample from Australian quartet Hiatus Kaiyote’s “Nakamara” (who’s best version includes a fire verse from Q-Tip) operate as background vocals for Siapha’s cool flowed verses on the apple of his eye. While “Steve Jobs” is the best track, it also kicks off the best three song run on the project, “Steve Jobs”, “No Fonk” and “Jim Carrey”. In those three songs, Stephen goes from contemplating on his mom’s powerful words on love, to shaking himself out his feelings with a hard bassline and some clever jokes then combines the two previous songs sounds with a soft soul sample and a more aggressive paced flow on Jim Carrey. In three songs, Siapha showcases the fullness of his arsenal both lyrically and with his production.
“Somebody stop me, I’m Jim Carrey, gettin green man, somebody stop me, I’m in command, in control c, but I don’t copy, it’s obvi, no one can top me, my shit be rockin, so fuck it’s poppin”
Siapha showcases a lyrical gift while never coming off like he’s working particularly hard. His flow is reminiscent of a young Childish Gambino, with just enough melody to raise it from a conversation over a beat to a rap verse. The combination of comedic lyrics and powerful feelings make for a project that’s never asking you to be too invested in one feeling or the other.
“I kick you out my office, Toby, a nigga’s hairline is on Ginobli but I’m Kobe
“Cause when we gazed, our eyes knew, I was yours you were mine too”
It took me about 3 tracks to get used to his voice and flow, but once I got caught up in the conversation that is each song, I ran the album back multiple times without realizing it as it’s comfortable pace kept me plugged in. Siapha shows a comfortable control of every beat, always skating across it rather than slipping and sliding.
True to the project’s name, Kid Paradox, the dichotomy of jokes and thoughts pair together a cohesive project from a complex artist in Siapha. He also puts us onto two other rappers (who come as weighty recommendations given they’re the only features) named RJR and CB Yess. Both only provide one verse, but they don’t waste the opportunity. I hope to hear more from Siapha in the future and if I’m lucky, I’ll see his name on Spotify so Capri Sun and Steve Jobs can find their places on my Sunday afternoon playlists.
TOP TRACKS: Steve Jobs, Capri Sun, Jim Carrey, No Fonk
“Love can be like witchcraft. But you know, that it’s [the] closest thing we get to magic now.”
-Siapha’s mama, “Steve Jobs“
“I can’t hate another black man, I made a pact man, I want all my niggas eatin like Pac-Man.”
-Siapha, “Love”
turtlewithapen 