When Valee was “discovered” by Kanye, he was already a fully formed poet. It wasn’t just his way with words, but the order he understood. Not within music, within the world. His sharp lyricsm, way of dominating a hook of a beat to make something more-it was natural. Now, he surfs the experimental tides in numbers with an EP with Surf Gang. This one is called Grey Sky London-so enjoy this moment of colour.
Valee soars in the first single called Why Not. Within the repertoire of the question, he seems to have the answers. The rhetoric seems to be the place where his doubts arise, and he frames them perfectly. Since Valee has found a new perspective lens from performing, this collaboration has been in the greatest wrinkle in time. You might never be able to steer into the draft, especially when his rhymes are the heaviest bars you will hear drop. Surf Gang becomes the kind of canvas that isn’t just the background, but the ether where you’re welcomed with an angle that becomes the first proposition. By the end, Valee has the final word.
In 2018, Kanye West signed Valee into his G.O.O.D Music Imprint. In just a year, he left-almost understanding in a precognitive style that he was meant for something larger. Chicago rap is ingrained in him, yet he tries to push the fold with his independent strain of thought. It is never easy to assume where the song would go. Rather than create a reveal in the song name, he almost uses it as your need to assume. Then, he takes you for a ride on a whole different tour.
Like the new internet sensation Hanumankind, Project Pat is a major influence for Valee. You might not hear it directly in his flow, but definitely in the lyrical execution. When you listen to Up Here, you might see it in slices of pride.
He seems to enjoy juxtaposing the beat with his lyrics. Not only is this initially discombobulating, but creates the kind of rhythmic feel to notice the lyrics right. Hi Hater Maino continues his dive into the hip-hop realm. The trap legion has created a great reverb, which Valee can use to his advantage. It’s another song where he references his mentor Project Pat.
It is interesting to see where he plans to take his sound. Since his hot number Womp Womp, this rapper has been fending his own path in the game. It is an explosive way to propel yourself through a very different vibe as well. In 5 songs, he is able to recap his absence, as well as leave you hungry for this energy he controls so well individually. When he got discovered, not only was the album clever wordplay, but an introduction to a style that you might not be used to. Since then, he has enjoyed his own slice of the freedom, the leverage and where he wants to go in the genre.
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When we arrive at Elbow, you know the lead that will become tattooed in your brain. He allows the tune to melt around his words as well. Perhaps the doom of the word purple, which is famously known not to have a rhyming word-is what he needs to motivate. He takes generous breaks at times, yet in some moments he is wrapped tighter than cling wrap on this beat. It is an incredible experience to hang back into, even though a lot of the lyrical front is difficult to comprehend. This makes it all the more personal, like torn pages of a journal. Through his art, he is able to navigate to the next platform.
He closes out the collection with By Da Way. Using his standard reverb feel, there is a reason behind this rhyme. His songs are short, a challenge to be able to create an entire exposition. What it results in is something of a deeper experience. Surf Gang is a great collaboration for his music, and he makes sure he uses it to his advantage as well. He always surprises us with singles every once in a while, so if you’re a fan-you might find a gem sometime within the year.
Since his departure from West’s production, he is now managed by Andrew Barber, owner of Fake Shore Drive. It is his style and delivery that make him so recognisable, in a world full of reel chasing renegades. Valee remains an original, with a style that must surely be acquired. You can listen to his EP here, and check out other explosive singles by the artist on his Spotify. Flow to the numbers here:
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Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
