Arizona-based Indian Rapper and Producer Kayze released his debut project in 2022 and has since put out 2 more projects. Now he returns with his fourth album Decadence, a 7 track project that deals with the declining social and moral state of affairs ranging from the over-dependency on technology/social media, consumerism, materialism and the impacts of AI.

The first track “No Tomorrow” helps set the tone with its reflective and somewhat thought-provoking premise. The production has a pop vibe and is underpinned by Kayze’s rich melodic flow but most importantly his heartfelt lyrics about seizing the day because tomorrow is not promised. His accented melodic flow is punctuated by accessive pitch tuning which adds a distinct feel to his performance style. The next tracks are the soul-stirring “For a Night” and “Never Enough” which sees Kayze giving audiences a 2 prong glimpse into his life. The former talks about propositioning a lady who is in a relationship to get into a one-off entanglement. The track features rapper Mu’Dogo who adds his laidback nonchalant flow alongside Kayze’s pitched-up style. The latter focuses on a woman who seeks monetary gain using social media as her coping mechanism to fill the void she feels within. Kayze leads us into the mix of the action with his vivid storytelling that shows the slow moral degradation of an individual who is caught up in the euphoria of instant validation. The next track “Degenerates” features Yonny and centers on individuals basking in distractions as they struggle to find a sense of purpose. Both rappers share their perspectives on the issue with Yonny embodying the spirit of a go-getter cutting through the white noise with lines like “I’m the greatest and I know it/You don’t have to give me flowers, I’ma plant and grow my roses/You could walk my shoes, you better hope they fit” while Kayze delivers another compelling take on anti-social behaviour and modern-day degeneracy.

“Dangerous” starts with a bright guitar lick and thick 808 drum groove that is underpinned by Kayze’s distinct melodic flow and bravado raps that detail his journey to self-awareness and constant battle with the external forces and intrusive voices that want to derail him. Lines like “I’m trying to piece it up, what you did to me/yeah I’m losing my religion, lost a part of me/ yeah I’m trying to find some meaning with the Yogi in me” give audiences his true thoughts as he continues this never-ending battle. The project comes to a close with the title track “Decadence” and “Singularity”. “Decadence” has a dark pop vibe with brooding synth bells and pads with electronic drum grooves laced with Kayze’s laidback melodic style. Here, he reflects on the present state of the world and how the standard has truly fallen but he also looks at the bright side that something good will surely come out of this situation on the final track “Singularity”. The track has a sombre pop vibe with an uplifting message assuring us that there will always be a better tomorrow regardless of how dark today can be.

Overall, Decadence is an interesting look at society, the cracks within, the dark side and finally the good parts that we all as humans could bask in before time ends.