Dallas-based artist AL3 teams up with KODOKUSHI for a 13-track project entitled This Seat’s Taken. The project brings together two distinctly refreshing styles, weaving smooth melodic runs with no-holds-barred flows that are married with modern hip-hop soundscapes.

The album opens with “A Dangerous Intro,”  a 6-minute epic track that is actually 2 tracks in one. The first half is an R&B/trap piece laced with catchy hooks, melodic flows and sees the duo delivering reassuring messages. The switch-up caught us off guard as the duo opted for a mid-tempo Afrobeats-inspired sound, showing their versatility and unpredictable approach to music-making. “Take All The Weight” is an anthemic braggadocio cut that is bolstered with triumphant horns and cinematic textures. This canvas is perfect as AL3 and KODOKUSHI proceed to decimate the naysayers and detractors with ease. Lines like “They’re jogging in circles, I’m lapping on tracks/I see what they’ve done, they mimicking moves, I made up the stacks,I’m never gonna front” set the stage for the showdown. Another interesting note is the beat change towards the end, with the duo using a dark, moody beat which takes the song to a whole new direction. The acoustic guitar licks on “No One But You” evoke a new age R&B/rap infused vibe, and the lyrics are anchored on building a solid relationship with so many distractions in the way. The chorus is quite engaging while the confessional-type lyrics show the artist can be vulnerable and still maintain their frame in the same breath.

So far, the project continues to raise the bar with each song. The production varies, and the infusion of different genres underscores the duo’s musical range. “What If” is a deep storytelling cut laced with insight and built over a solemn string-laden backdrop that evokes nostalgia. Here, the duo’s strength is reinforced by raw chemistry and the infusion of rich melodies and vivid lyrical mastery. On  “Far From Perfect,” they once again share a tale of matters of the heart. The show of vulnerability is punctuated in the candid lyrics, which are filled with adulation and reassuring themes.  This is followed by “Liqeur,” a dance/R&B track that centers around shaky love and the emotional hurt that comes from heartbreak. The vocal runs here have a deep and spacey feel, but I must admit, the chorus has a nice ring to it. “Trips to the Moon” is a nice switch-up from the previous track and circles back to the player antics of a go-getter who knows what he wants and how to get it. The track is filled with braggadocio bars, and it’s definitely an anthem to flex with.

The last set of tracks still maintains the energy built from the beginning. The moody vibes on “Behave” have a scenic tone that captures a feeling of urgency, and the tuned melody adds an unusual touch to it. Not really our speed, but it gets the job done regardless. This flows into the final track “I Love You,” which is actually a ballad, if I am permitted to use that term. The classic R&B production and soul-stirring performance are unprecedented and surprisingly good. This might just be one of our favourite tracks as it strays from the expected with top-notch results. From the well-crafted production to the heartfelt songwriting and vocal arrangement, everything about this track is pure bliss. The last piece of the project is “…to be continued (Skit)”, a funny skit that sees both rappers joking around, and it ends with them mentioning a possibility of continuity. Well, we will just have to wait and see. Other notable tracks include the expressive showcase of style on “Call Me,” the mellow Afrobeats/R&B overtones on “YoYo,” and the dark cinematic touch on “7 AM,” Each track goes in a different direction, and listeners can a glimpse of their life experiences, ranging from career building, taking stock of their journey in this game and spending time with that special someone.

Keep up with AL3 and KODOKUSHI |  Page