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AKS releases sophomore EP ‘Train of Thought’
RnB/Hip Hop | Thursday 9th June 2016 | Ayo
British Hip Hop artist AKS is well and truly back, as he unveils his long awaited sophomore EP, and the second project in his three-part ‘Modes of Transport’ series - Train of Thought.
It is his first solo project in five years, and the highly anticipated follow up to his seminal debut EP The Bus Stop, which was released to critical acclaim in 2011, and championed by the likes of Hypetrak,Okayplayer, SoulCulture, and Roc Nation’s Young Guru among others.
Led by its recently released lead single ‘Stay with Me’ which is being supported by BBC 1Xtra, Earmilk, SBTV, HipHopDX and MTV Wrap Up, the Train of Thought EP is a captivating body of work from AKS. The record is backed by stirring and soulful Hip Hop musical backdrops and soundscapes, over which the London native bares his soul – bringing his superior rap flow, deft lyrical dexterity, commanding vocal cadence, and song-writing abilities, to the fore.
From title track ‘Train Of Thought’, which sees AKS asserting himself as a fixture in the UK Hip Hop scene, to the Jazz/Soul-leaning ‘Real Deal’ exploring the realities of being an independent artist, to ‘Still (Then Again)’ – AKS’ rallying cry discussing today’s culture of instant and disposable music, to poignant closing track ‘Freedom Of Being Free’, the Train Of Thought EP is a uniquely honest and introspective project from AKS, and certainly one of the best UK Hip Hop records of the year.
The excellent 8-track project, with its rap, soul and jazz sensibilities, boasts production from long-time collaborator DemDrums(PartyNextDoor, Joe Grind), newcomer Kefas and AKS himself, and collaborations with Tawiah (Mark Ronson, Dev Hynes,Ghostpoet), Obenewa (Plan B, Rosie Lowe, Machinedrum), and Sincerely Wilson (Jamie Woon, Matthew Herbert), helping to bring AKS’ comeback record to life.
Speaking about the inspiration behind his Train of Thought EP, AKS says, “this project forms part of a conversation piece between myself as an artist, the listeners and the current musical landscape. This is just my side of that conversation. I’m sharing my hopes, my dreams, and my aspirations, alongside my fears, mistakes and struggles. I’m commenting on what I see around me on a daily; but most of all I’m showing growth as an artist… and furthermore as a human being”.
