Kenny Beats Announces Debut Solo Album, 'LOUIE', a Tribute to his Father

LOUIE, Kenny Beats’ debut solo album, was never meant for the ears of the public. Recorded in a month of isolation, forced by COVID and compounded by tragic family news, the acclaimed producer forges a personal gift out of signature hypnotic instrumentals.

Kenny Beats by Evan Tetreault

“I always said that I wouldn’t do a solo album because I didn’t have anything to say. Finally, I did,” says Kenneth Blume III when talking about the inspiration behind his debut solo album, LOUIE. Better known by his stage name, Kenny Beats has built a reputation for producing fan-favourite projects for all of his friends and collaborators. These friends being acclaimed artists like Vince Staples, Rico Nasty, Denzel Curry, and British band IDLES. It was during the creation of an IDLES album, on a trip to the UK, that LOUIE was conceived.

Thousands of miles from home and recovering from a break up, Beats received the news that his father had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A deep-dive into Kenneth Snr.’s mixtapes - melting pots of Sade, Willie Nelson and Dr. Dre made for family and friends - soon became a familiar comfort in a remote location. Whilst it brought home closer, it also took the producer to a less cluttered mindset.

What came from a spontaneous, avalanche-like burst of creativity was LOUIE - a 17-song, 33-minute album. Set for release via XL Recordings on August 31st, the album is a heart-on-the-sleeve appreciation for his father’s sacrifices and nurturing nature. Almost entirely instrumental, Kenny says that, “this album encapsulated the feeling of that one month.... Something dark turned into something beautiful.”

The producer has been teasing the album on social media through a series of beautifully crafted mini-films, attracting rabid anticipation from fans and peers alike. Kenny Beats will be performing at New York City's Summerstage in Central Park in September, in Miami at III Points Festival this October, and in Los Angeles at The Shrine this November.

Pre-order/save LOUIE here and see the album cover and tracklist below.

Kenny Beats

LOUIE

XL Recordings

August 31, 2022

1. Leonard

2. Parenthesis

3. Hold My Head

4. So They Say

5. Family Tree

6. Hooper

7. Still

8. Moire

9. Get Around

10. Eternal

11. Last Words

12. Drop 10

13. The Perch

14. Really Really

15. That Third Thing

16. Rotten

17. Hot Hand