With artists releasing songs at a fast and furious pace, it’s difficult for the average hip-hop head to keep track of it all—no matter how tapped in they are. That’s why we created The Ones, a daily post to highlight the song you need to hear.
“28 & Sublime” is a celebration of Kojey Radical’s work ethic. Over a horn-laced production from AJ Jones, the London-based rapper credits his career accomplishments to his consistent devotion to self-improvement: “This ain’t talent it’s skill/I go to work on my craft/When I’m dead I might chill.” Though his dedication to the grind is obvious, his flow projects effortlessness. He strikes a conversational tone, lacing his rhymes with humorous throwaways and measured asides. Buffeted by the sunny smoothness of the beat, Kojey narrates his rise, explaining how he managed to navigate the traps the industry laid for him: “In the streets or in the boardrooms/They couldn’t rush me/Didn’t even hammer, man/They couldn’t touch me/I count every L I took/I think it stand for ‘lucky.’” This is jazz rap at its most affirming.
Check out previous Ones, and listen to new rap from Kojey Radical and more on our Spotify playlist.
