Underground Rapper Smallz Lethal Releases Debut Album

Once upon a time in Nairobi conscious hip hop ruled the airwaves—when K-Shaka, Kitu Sewer and Ukoo Flani dropped a song and there was a buzz on the streets. Underground artist Smallz Lethal is following the footsteps of those who put him in the game. He hails from Washamba Wenza rap crew affiliated with the mighty Ukoo Flani Mau Mau Dandora outfit. After much musical collaboration, Smallz now breaks into the competitive hip hop industry with his debut album “Common Mwanainchi”.

He started working on this album just as Kenya was preparing to go into the 2012 General Election; there was so much going on - from unrest, fighting, ill governance to tension and the artist saw all these societal changes fit to encompass his thoughts on the 14-tracked album. The album’s title song “Common Mwananchi” features Kimya and is a stand out track produced by Headbangaz Records and Ken Ring. With a smooth background beat, the song provides a perfect musical platform to address civilians being mistreated by leaders who only want votes but care not about the average citizen. On the G Ganji Records produced “Sorry” he gets emotional; it’s his real life story and a testament of how he changed from a street thug to a conscious and thoughtful human being. We only wish his family takes him back after hearing that song. He breaks down on “Nataka Kudoz” about how it’s messed up that conscious artists get no props even though they sing for the streets.

When not in the studio, Smallz is either one of the few Nairobi underground artists organizing their community and mobilizing other artists to stay conscious; or busy on stage hosting The Hip Hop Hook Up (held every second Saturday of every month at Sarakasi Dome in Ngara), where his album was launched (November 2013). The album is not only about the pain and the hustle, “Celebrate” shows the other side of the inner city where there, it’s hip and popping at a party.

Listen to the album on Reverbnation: Smallz Lethal.

By Buddha Blaze.