If you’ve never heard any music by the MCs we’re about to introduce you to, then “Almost There” is the perfect introduction to the duo. This double teamed project is brought to you by Brooklyn-born artists AKila K & E. Nigma. AKila K, also known as Killa K, is a spoken word artist, lyricist, and multi-instrumentalist who brings a gritty, yet soulful energy to her music. E. Nigma is a direct product of the city, coming with authenticity, resilience, and embodying a hustler’s mentality.
The two are a part of a new wave of independent voices rising out of New York City. And influences of the city can definitely be heard throughout the entire project. “Almost There” opens up with “Return of the Real”, and the first thing that comes to mind when listening: the producer did their thing. It’s got such an ‘03 Nas or Jay Z sound to it. It’s clear that this opening song is a true introduction to the 2 artists.
“Feel like Curtis Jackson in the club” -E. Nigma, Return of the Real
Then we transition into this super smooth vibe with “Pose”. This track instantly feels reminiscent of a Da Brat track. AKila K brings this insane uniqueness with her flow and storytelling. E. Nigma showcases his ability to really just dive in when it’s his turn for a verse.
The rest of the project has such good vibes. “Hometown Hero” leaves you feeling like you should be walking with your head high. E. Nigma really shines on this one. Then the vibe gets switched up with “Why Don’t We”. This song is a bit slower and a little more hard hitting. This is so well contrasted with the 1 Thing x Amerie interpolation on the beginning line. Both artists exude this confidence that I believe is a big element to the successful delivery of this project.
The Interlude, “We Outside” almost sounds like it shouldn’t be on this particular project. The vibe just doesn’t fully match the vibe of the other songs. But maybe that was the purpose though. A great song regardless.
I was expecting “Almost There” to have more hard-hitting, serious themes but it didn’t. And it was refreshing actually, having a project talk about the lighter things in life. But the 6th song on the track list, “There Goes The Neighborhood” is where things get a little deeper. It touches on the very real issues of gentrification in New York City. Something very relatable for a lot of us across the country. You can really feel the artists’ melancholy of feeling unfamiliar in a place they’ve known their whole life. Killa K discusses rising rent costs and housing developments being built that price out residents that have lived in these neighborhoods for generations.
“Now it’s condos and lattes and new spots where I used to play with my hombres, right by that path marked before there was Barclays” -E. Nigma, There Goes The Neighborhood
“aNYtime, aNYwhere” is the closer to this project and acts as the final homage to New York. Overall, this was a very fun album that lets you step foot into everyday NYC life. If I could describe this project in 1 word it’d be: kickback. Because it puts you in the space of chilling with friends, vibing, and dancing. Check out the project now!
