Kero One released his first record in 2003 on his own imprint, Plug Label. He recorded the 12” in his home studio, and funded the pressing with his own credit card. In the years since, Kero has released a solo album, toured the world, further developed his label, and collaborated with artists including Talib Kweli and Mark Farina. On April 7, Kero One will release his new album Early Believers.

The Feel
Kero One’s Early Believers is a feel-good Hip Hop album that doesn’t sacrifice intelligence for its positive mood. Melodically the album maintains an upbeat sound all the way through, beginning with the sunny “Welcome to the Bay” and “When the Sunshine Comes featuring Ben Westbeech.” Even more serious songs such as “This Life Ain’t Mine” and “Goodbye Forever featuring Ben Westbeech” have an optimistic tone. Lyrically this is also the case. While Kero raps about real-life issues, and he certainly doesn’t pretend life is easy, he stays focused on hopeful ideas. Check out “Stay On The Grind featuring Ohmega Watts” for a good example: “When those stress levels rise, we gotta stay on the grind.”

The Production
The production on Early Believers is beautiful. Kero combines soulful and jazzy sounds with vintage synthesizers, a Rhodes 88, and of course the ubiquitous MPC 2000XL, among other instruments. The album has a clear Future Soul influence, without diverging from its Hip Hop foundation. And the mixes focus on musicality over loudness, which makes the album a joy to listen to.

For Early Believers
Kero One’s Early Believers is for the early believers; he dedicates the album to those “who have been down with my art since day one.” But being an early believer doesn’t necessarily mean being an old fan – Kero also includes his “new found supporters” in his gratitude. Being an early believer is more like an idea: it means being a loyal and dedicated fan of good music that may not be commercial or well-known. In that spirit Kero One showcases some of his favorite vocalists on the album including Ben Westbeech, Tuomo, and Ohmega Watts; these are artists you’ll want to get familiar with if you haven’t already. Whether you’re new to Kero One or you’ve been listening since that first 12″, his Early Believers is for you, the fans of good music.

Preorder Kero One’s Early Believers here at a preorder-only price of $10. Preorders include a free, autographed poster.

Related:
Kero One – “Welcome to the Bay”