Manny King John
I
think it’s interesting how specific geographical areas can produce various sounds. Being from the West Coast, there’s a typical sound or “wave” as my boy Compton Dibi would say. However, here and there, you find artists that completely stand out. Music that doesn’t seem to represent the standard in that region. For example, let’s take nēKa, from Fayetteville, North Carolina. I’m a J. Cole fan, but hearing where she’s from had my anticipation on standby. I’m honest.
nēKa delivers instantly with her beat selection. The “Eastsider Rider” is impressive. It feels like a sundown summertime joint. The down to earth delivery accompanied by the different melodies she uses work well together. I’m also a huge fan of the screwed switch up toward the end of the track. That capped off the record nicely. It reminds me of the similar transition in Kirko Bangz’s “Drank In My Cup.” nēKa is interesting to me because she raps like one of the boys, but finds a way to throw sexy incentive in the mix.
Not sure who her inspirations are but I hear a little DeJ Loaf and Diamond from Crime Mob when she raps. Not so much of their sound, but the inspiration behind the flow and lyrical content. The second track I listened to was her self-titled track which seems to follow the trend of self-titled tracks and coming out of the gate strong with two back to back catchy records, set by G Perico.
Once again the production stands out, like a green hat with an orange bill. When I mentioned earlier that I felt her style was down to earth, what I meant was that she’s relatable. Some artists are far-fetched; becoming unbelievable. She challenged her inhibitions and self-doubts in that record. Her perspective is admirable because we all go through those emotions and feelings at times.
Successful people find ways to defeat such mentalities. Personally, I would like to hear more wittiness or heavy punches in her content. “Eastsider Rider” and “nēKa” are my favourite joints.
I’m sure I’ll hear from you again soon, nēKa. Keep your foot on the gas!
Words by KO Spectates
