Kero One’s opening track on his long awaited sophomore album Early Believers describes the diversity of his hometown, San Francisco. “Welcome to the Bay” tells the story of Northern California sunshine, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the wealth of Silicon Valley juxtaposed with poverty and drugs. Hit the jump to hear the track and read up on Kero One…
Former web designer by day and rapper/producer/DJ by night, Kero One, stands as a true testament to the do-it-yourself success story. His early career was marked by endless hours of researching, cold calling, and networking to gain exposure for his debut, self produced project Windmills of the Soul. Persistence paid off with a little help from fate when one of the 50 copies of his album was picked up in a tiny record store in Tokyo, Japan. Success was immediate, as Windmills of the Soul became a hit overnight, which opened the floodgates for international touring and performance opportunities. Three years later, after a Best Hip Hop Album of 2006 award and collabos with Talib Kweli and Mark Farina, Kero One is back with his sophomore album entitled Early Believers, via his label, Plug Label. Modulating from soulful jazz tinged tracks to upbeat synth-driven party bangers, Kero One features some his favorite vocalists such as Giles Peterson protégé UK singer Ben Westbeech, Finland’s own modern day “Stevie Wonder,” and Portland’s Ohmega Watts. Early Believers will be released in April 2009.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
well the track itself is months old, but its really great, cant wait for the album to drop!
Yeah, a lot of times the promoters can be weeks to months behind certain leaks. I just received this about a week ago, so it’s new to me! the album should be nice too.
Where is this beat originally from?? Heard it used a while ago by some ukhh artists, can’t remember who exactly, got it on my hd somewhere tho, i’ll have to have a look and check…
Not sure where it was used before, but the CD’s linear notes say the beat is produced by King Most.
i haven’t heard this kind of feel good hip hop since…since…yea, it’s been THAT long.
Kero is very dope. My boy introduced me to his music a while back
So I found the beat I mentioned; the tune is called BBQ, by Evil Ed & Conspicuous ft. Broke N English, Doc Brown, Konny Kon Seanie T & TB, came out in ‘06, produced by Evil Ed apparently… Found the instrumental on youtube as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRoiji5TezU
wow! nice find on the evil Ed.