Krept & Konan Release Sequel In 'YOUNG KINGZ II' Over Ten Years Later

LinkUp TV Behind bars. The place where everyone used to run and get the latest Rap, Grime and Drill music before streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify took over - before artists took more notice in promoting their own brands and YouTube accounts.

Link UP TV is a thought that comes easily when the names Krept & Konan are mentioned. The instrumental of Adele’s hometown and two youthful faces that look like my own stare back at me rapping with a ferocious and forceful deliver. Every word is felt. And it is easy to imagine that the studio was shaken as if a hurricane swept in there but no, it was just two black boys from South London, who again looked like me, in a space with the freedom to express their perspectives about their lives.

Young Kingz was rinsed repeatedly. ‘Too Young’ was a cheeky and dismissive way to avoid serious relationships. ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ was played in all of the hall parties we went to because yes, we were still too young for clubbing. You could say that I’m part of a generation that grew up with Krept & Konan, looking at them as the older who weren’t that older.

In the time since, they have released four other projects, started businesses that have given back to the local community and Krept has become a father.

Young Kingz II Is sonically different to its pressor, it’s more varied with intersecting genres of Afrobeats, Dancehall, Grime, Hip Hop and Rap. Even though the former is the natural successor to the mixtape, which dropped in 2013.

There’s less of a raw feel to it overall, which doesn’t take anything away from the project’s authenticity, rather it’s solidifying proof that the reasoning behind Krept & Konan’s longevity is their quality and also their growth.

Thoughtful, deep-feeling instrumentals make up the majority of the beats of the fourth studio album, laying the foundations for an intimate and atmospheric space to chart the pair’s growth, as they provide perspective from nuanced and complex themes such as PTSD, therapy, fatherhood, grief, loss, tense romantic situations and systemic injustice.

There is also growth as mentioned previously musically. You can experience in how the songs and album itself is structured, which is more similar to their last album Revenge Is Sweet.

"Young Kingz II is more than just an album it's a reflection of everything we've been through and where we're at now - it's a full circle moment for us. This album is all about growth. We've poured our hearts into it - to all the supporters who've been with us from the start - this one's for you", Krept & Konan said.

Released via their independent label Play Dirty and largely recorded in Jamaica, the theme of returning back to the past or taking inspiration from cultural history is evident.

Even taking inspirations from their own discovery and the Grime and Rap scene they grew up in there are also the moments in this body of work where you are taken back into the hard-hitting, skilful shellings that is perfect for the raves and car vibes on the backroads that you partook with close friends.

Generational conversations are heard and felt as samples Konan's father, Reggae legend Delroy Wilson and pays homage to him on the track Konan’s 'Delroy's Son', whilst sharing the perspective of a father, Krept shares his fears, hopes and dreams for his daughter on 'Nala's Song' .

The South Londoners’ cultural impact is forever reaching with The Rap Game UK,  opening their own restaurant, Crepes & Cones, in Croydon, launching Nala’s Baby.

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