Chicago rapper Kaicrewsade is quickly making a name for himself with his latest singles, “Match?” and “Slow Dancing to Liv.e.”
Both tracks showcase his ability to craft lush, intricate soundscapes that leave listeners entranced.
“Match?” begins with smooth string swells, delicate harp runs, and a restrained rhythm that gradually evolves to integrate acoustic guitar and brass elements.
“Slow Dancing to Liv.e.”, on the other hand, delights with funky keyboard riffs, dynamic drumming, and saxophone accents that create a vibrant tapestry of sound
The track finishes with a dreamy outro, complete with glockenspiel, chimes, and a soothing, wordless refrain.
These songs, combined into a single video, highlight Kaicrewsade’s signature flow, which intricately syncs with the rhythms of live instruments to guide listeners through his captivating arrangements.
While Kaicrewsade (born Makhi Miller, also known as “Kai”) may not play instruments himself, he exhibits the skills of a master composer and producer.
He meticulously builds each track by editing and arranging recordings from live jam sessions, avoiding any programmed sounds in favor of authentic instrumentation.
Rather than relying on samples, Kai takes pride in creating all of his beats from scratch, demonstrating an impressive level of detail and intention in his work.
“Look, I’m not a textbook producer,” says Kai, explaining his creative process.
He dives deep into each recording session, meticulously listening and altering the arrangement until it aligns with his vision.
Kai even illustrates his approach with an anecdote about directing a musician playing horns, demonstrating his commitment to realizing his sonic ideas to the fullest.
His expansive sound is informed by the jazz and soul records that filled his childhood home, nurturing an appreciation for the intricacies of live performance.
By the age of seven, he found himself captivated by the works of artists like Herbie Hancock, Minnie Riperton, and A Tribe Called Quest, who inspired him to explore rap.
Kai’s understanding of chord progressions and music theory stems from his church experiences, as well as his lifelong exposure to music from older generations.
Despite his musical success, he candidly shares that he has battled depression, which has informed his creative journey.
Through his music, he has found a way to express and confront his struggles, a process deepened during his college years when he learned to cope with his mental health.
At college, Kai discovered a supportive community that inspired him to launch his mental health initiative, Kai’s Poetry Club (KPC), in 2021.
Originally conceived as an open-mic night, KPC has evolved into a vital resource for young adults on Chicago’s south side, providing a welcoming environment for vulnerability and creativity.
Kai’s work with KPC includes organizing winter coat drives and fostering connection among participants, inspired by his own experiences of isolation during the pandemic.
He reflects on a transitional time in his life, explaining how the pandemic intensified feelings of loneliness as he sought to navigate adulthood in a largely empty world.
Kai’s commitment to mental health advocacy through KPC has earned him respect and admiration in his community, as he aims to bring uplifting resources back home from his experiences abroad.
When Kai returned to Chicago to finish his sophomore year online, his uncle provided him with a free space in Pilsen, hoping to support his music career.
However, Kai pivoted to focus on developing KPC, motivated by a desire to emulate the empowering environment he found in college.
As Kai’s reputation has grown, he has secured a booking with Earth Agency and is managed by Chris Classick and Juliana Miller at Classicks Never Die.
Classick, who also manages Smino, met Kai in 2021 and was immediately struck by his talent when he heard his music.
Classick emphasizes the importance of a genuine connection, stating, “I’m always music first. Music first, and then I gotta meet you.”
After hearing Kai’s music, he offered practical advice that helped refine Kai’s sound, pushing him to record in more professional settings instead of his car.
Classick is particularly impressed by Kai’s work ethic, noting how he regularly records music and films videos in swift succession, highlighting the rising star’s determination.
Kaicrewsade’s most recent KPC meeting took place in February, and he is already planning future events for 2023.
He is on track to finish his four-year degree by 2025 while keeping his focus on touring and producing more music.
Kai expresses a desire to release additional tracks before the year’s end, eager to share his creativity with the world.
As he continues to develop his artistry, listeners are encouraged to keep an eye out for his upcoming projects, as Kaicrewsade’s sound is set to transform the hip-hop landscape in Chicago and beyond.
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