KOJ says: “It represents a journey through many worlds. Whilst I’ve had the ability to exist in these varied realities, none of them truly felt like my own, a place I could be my authentic self. So this song stands as the moment I decided to take a leap of faith into my own world, the real world. This is the turning point in the EP too. The production, from TEE, sees me pushed further than I have ever been before sonically, accompanying my metamorphosis perfectly. The visual also sees me stretch my visual storytelling in a way I have never done before.”

 The first track “PRODUCT OF THE STREETS” ushers listeners into KOJ’s world where nothing is given. The streets are dark, and the tension in the air is thick. It’s a place where only the strongest will survive and KOJ has made his bones through the gutter and grime. Over a cinematic backdrop comprising angelic vocal hums, rousing bass-lines and synths, he details his journey with raw passion and unprecedented eloquence.Armed with his commanding flow and Scouse accent, he stays true to his roots from start to finish. Lines like “I’m not myself when I’m hungry, I think I need some snickers/When you’re spitting, don’t compare me to no other niggaz/Music ain’t my only skill, you know I’m built different” underpin his integrity and give listeners a crystal clear representation of who he is. This is followed by the introductory single “A ROADMAN’S TALE OF HOME” where KOJ leads audiences into his world with his expressive and commanding flow, graphic rhyme schemes and imagery that break down the concept of home. Masked by his own experiences as a man with mixed cultural roots working in the North West of England, KOJ gives us a well-rounded and insightful perspective. The production by the acclaimed UK Hip-Hop producer, Joe Buhdha comprises cinematic brass stabs, moody textures and punchy drums that evoke a sense of urgency and emotion and it’s a perfect follow-up.“LOVE MONEY DRUGS” is a hard-hitting record that explores the trifecta of emotions, access to material wealth, the allure of uncontrolled substance and the thrill of the high. The track comprises hard-hitting drums and ominous samples underpinned by KOJ’s fiery flow and vivid songwriting that explores the themes in a distinct approach. Each verse anchors on the three topics and gives audiences something to think about at the end of it all.

In just three tracks, KOJ has already taken us deep into the abyss but the party doesn’t end there as he continues the journey on “SINterlude.” The track sees KOJ in the role of a street documentarian who looks at street life from hindsight and notices the same patterns executed by young men. Backed by the dynamic and cinematic backdrop provided by TEE and the soul-stirring vocal performance from Ni Maxine, KOJ’s focuses on his experiences, the pressures weighing on young men in working communities and his own survivor’s guilt. He understands life and while he found a way to leave it, he still carries the baggage of guilt as he sees others trapped in the same cycle. The title track “VILLAIN WITH A CONSCIENCE” continues the themes set before, delving into feeling out of place in various worlds before finally finding his true self and coming to terms with who he is. Ultimately he knows he can’t find himself in the opinion of others so he decides to forge his path. The final track“A REMINDER”, is a vocal sample-driven cut provided by producers MD and TEE. The duo lace KOJ with a blend of reflective textures layered over punchy and pounding drum grooves as the rapper runs through some childhood memories that helped shape him. Armed with his stylish and expressive flow, KOJ takes us down memory lane right back to the present with vivid lyricism and a touch of nostalgia and bravado while reminding audiences that he is still in his prime. In a nutshell, he adds “I may have taken a short hiatus, but I’m still THAT GUY!.”

Overall VILLAIN WITH A CONSCIENCE, is a concise and cohesive project that follows the life of a man who made mistakes in the past and is ready to correct his errors while reminding the next generation that they can do better.