Kidwild Explores His Highs And Lows Through Debut Ep 'Distro Kid'

East London rapper Kidwild is someone who might have caught your attention with his nostalgic but modern takes on a Sade classic to gift us ‘Indecisive (Is It A Crime)’, the original a song looped by our parents on vinyl and CD before everything went digital.

Or you might have listened to Modjo’s ‘Lady (Here Me Tonight)’ during the 2010s only to type it into YouTube when Kidwild released ‘If I Told You (Lately)’, the familiar beat stuck in your head reasons unknown until you go searching for it. He demonstrates sample culture done right but also relates to the sounds of our shared childhood experiences growing up as children in the UK.

Now, providing further insight into his world with his debut EP Distro Kid, consisting of 5 tracks it’s a raw and undiluted cut, that whilst a short but versatile look into the interiority of the East Londoner and his experience

The contemporary rap project opens with ‘Redemption' featuring Manchester rapper Nemzzz, who injects his typical energy into the riddim as the duo craft a get-rich-or-die-trying vibe.

Produced by Kaiso & GW, a distorted bass crowds out the 808 trap[ percussion but leaves enough space for the sampled vocals to give off an eerie vocals, that effect that moves across a string arrangement.

Rapping effortlessly, Kidwild delivers his verses in a matter-of-fact sharply-edged way as he acknowledges the journey he’s been on and demonstrates his self-awareness by admitting that there’s still more to accomplish. Vulnerable in moments, and cynical in others’, what appears is a sense of wanting something, and someone to belong to.

Transitioning into ‘Standard’, less is more as he demonstrates his lyrical ability as a rapper over a stripped-back instrumental, detailing his journey from where he started to where he is now.

On the ‘Say Less Freestyle’, produced by JDUBBZ, East Londoner is firm and no-nonsense adopting a drill flow as his voice cuts through the instrumental as he shares relatable stories about women and the problems that have started to occur.

As mentioned previously Indecisive’, produced by GW allows you to hear the distinct soulful and beautiful voice of Sade float in and out of the beat, whilst East Londoner delivers his verses in the space left.

Seeing out the project with ‘Fake Friends’, more upbeat – Kidwild rallies drawing strength from his lived experiences, highlighting the loneliness felt, whilst reflective, concludes that he prefers it to the dishonesty he’s experienced by those closest to him.

Listen here