KAMAUU

Washington, D.C. native Kamau Mbonisi Kwame Agyeman could be referred to as a singer and rapper, but his inclination for sound play as much as word play -- inspired by African music, doo wop, and hip-hop alike -- demonstrates that he's a vocalist more so than either specific distinction. The productions that support his voice likewise defy easy categorization, as they've drawn from contemporary pop and rap while reflecting inspirations that include Oddisee, Lupe Fiasco, Bobby McFerrin, Vieux Diop, André 3000, and k-os. Oddisee's "The Good Fight" album, released by Melo Music Group and No Wyld's Ascension EP, released by Columbia, both in 2015, were the first major recordings on which KAMAUU was heard. The following year, he contributed "The Icarus" to The Birth of a Nation: The Inspired By Album, appeared on No Wyld's full-length Nomads and released a handful of singles, as well as the six-track A Gorgeous Fortune EP. A full-length set entitled The KAMAU-CASSETTE: ŭRTH GōLD arrived in 2017, including the tender single "MĭNT" featuring Talibah Safiya. -written by Andy Kellman