Album Review: NIKO IS Truly Is “UNIKO”
“YYYYYAAAAAASSSSSSSSSS!” is what I said as I heard NIKO IS’ new album, Uniko: dropping November 30. Honestly, my words will not fully capture how GOOD this album is, and how masterfully NIKO IS shows he is an unstoppable, rising force in the Hip Hop game. The Brazilian-born, self-proclaimed “chilosopher” has made an record that gives you two very good options; 1) Dance like you were in the playas of Rio or sit, relax, and drink a rum and coke like you were in the playas of Rio.
Blending Latin Funk and Hip Hop, NIKO IS, immediately, takes you to “Spanish Harlem feat. Talib Kweli & Tego Calderon.” There the viejos are playing dominoes, the boys are trying to get baes by saying, “U Could Be My Gal,” and the elders and youth squabble over life lessons by claiming, ”O Que Você Sabe.” No matter what, NIKO IS shows that rhythm is cultural, and how you place sound can reflect how you place the heartbeat and the history of a people. Latinx know how to wipe their tears, and keep their bodies/ spirits dancing even if their heart is in pain. NIKO IS serves you this resilience through “feel good” beats, and verses that are not afraid to call out oppressors.
Of course, with Talib Kweli as your mentor, NIKO IS knows how to keep things light and fun, but also approach the undeniable darkness that is trying to makes such feelings impossible for certain communities. “Inspiration 4 Those Who Plan On Living 4 Ever feat. Haikaiss,””3RD WORLD $$$ feat. Curren$y,” “Saviours Of The Lost Art feat. Styles P,” and “U Could Have Seen The World” are just a few examples of NIKO IS’ capacity to make a “profound bop.” Somehow, you are dancing at the club to sincere thoughtfulness, and his charismatic vocality is the guide making you swoon to richer ideas and priceless beats.
It may seem “simple” to describe a voice as charming, but the minute you hear NIKO IS rap, you want to clutch your pearls and say, “Well, who are you, darling?!” He enters a verse like the smoothest man alive, which makes you more attentive to his words and purpose. Moreover, it makes you follow him. Whether he is trying to wake your mind or move your feet, he paces and flows his lyrics like the orders of a man that wants you to respect and enjoy his culture as much as you reap from it. #fierce Thus, GET READY TO BAILAR MI GENTE! Click Here To Buy NIKO IS’ Uniko And See Him, November 29, At Brooklyn Bowl.
