Producer/rapper duo AK CEEZ and Yung Kenz caught our attention with their newest release, The Origins. The 13-track mixtape is the debut release from the North East of Scotland-based real-life uncle-nephew duo who aim to bring something new and refreshing to the Scottish hip-hop scene.

Entirely produced by AK CEEZ, the project bridges generational gaps with hard-hitting beats and relatable content ranging from loss, the essence of family, and mental health in an unforgiving world. The first track, “Ricochet,” helps set the tone with its cinematic aesthetic and aspirational theme about resilience and a never-say-die mentality. Lines like “Everytime I fall I come back harder, like a ricochet” underscore the overall theme. The next track, “Last Dance,” is a reflective piece that sees Yung Kenz baring his unfiltered thoughts over a sombre piano-driven backdrop. From his fears, growing pains, and the uncertainty of life, he runs through his situation and comes to the conclusion that the grind never stops. Both artists trade bars on the next track, “Runaway Train,” a retro-tinged 90s boombap track with soulful vibes and relatable bars about their struggles. On “Dark Hearted,” Yung Kenz steps into the forefront and delivers a laidback, unassuming performance over the moody and melancholic track. Here, he digs deep into the dark crevices of his mind as he battles the demons trying to eat him up. “Call Me “ is an inspirational and uplifting track anchored by AK CEEZ, who pours adulation on that special someone who is always there and reliable, but unfortunately, the sentiment is not reciprocated by others. AK CEEZ pens a heartfelt track, reminding them of why they are special in these crazy times.

On tracks like “True Diamond,”” Head Held High,” and  “Wrote a Letter,” the duo showcase their versatility as songwriters. From grown man raps to the difficulties of finding light during dark times, to the never-ending emotional turmoil that they have fully embraced with a hopeful mindset. Overall, the duo continue to show vulnerability and share their deepest thoughts with listeners o these tracks. “Heavy Flows” is a standard bravado-laden track that sees the duo flexing their verbal biceps into a recurring piano stab and punchy drum break, while “On The Way Up” is a bouncy afro-infused cut with a sombre vibe. Here, the duo speak on the financial grind and the grit as they continue to work their way up to success.  Yung Kenz goes on a solo mission on “Why Should I Care,” a dark, moody track that dabbles into the cynical, anger-driven side resulting from neglect on all fronts and the effect of one’s immediate environment on the psyche. “ Feel It” is AK CEEZ’s lyrical showcase of some sort as he drops bars like “Heart like a drummer, refused to be beaten/Mind like a war that no man should be leading/Tears hit the floor, all I saw w leaving/Said I be strong but I never believed it” and this leads into the final cut “Ascend” a brilliant reflective tune that brings the project full circle.

Overall, AK CEEZ and Yung Kenz stuck to the script from start to finish and never wavered in terms of their core theme. The use of different music styles ranging from modern trap, boombap and even afro-infused sounds is refreshing and helps keep the project dynamic and exciting at each turn. Lyrically, the duo do what was needed, sometimes the flows are servicable, but for the most part, it just gets the job done.

Watch the official video for “Heavy Flows” Below

Keep up with AK CEEZ |  Instagram

Keep up with Yung Kenz |  Instagram