This album from Brooklyn rapper Kota the Friend is one of those that absolutely needs to be listened to in order and all the way through, like Frank Ocean's Channel Orange. The pacing is perfect and the lineup is punctuated with interludes featuring the rapper's family. It also came to my attention that Kota and I share a birthday, so I feel like I was predestined to stan.
The 19-track album tackles issues of self-esteem, love, and family against mellow beats and with introspective and insightful lyrics. Songs like "Solar Return" and "For Colored Boys" act as love letters to the rapper's young son, and the heartbreakingly honest "Bagels" explores confident confessions of insecurity with a crush. I've been listening to this (in order!) nonstop.
Standout tracks: "Alkaline" and "Backyard," because they're upbeat and fun to dance to, but the lyrics will still make you think.
Listen now on Spotify.
