Kid Pro & Yosonova | ‘KidNova’
Kid Pro and Yosonova work side-by-side to debut an exhilarating, timeless project titled KidNova. In a word, KidNova is lyrically equipped and full of beats that add a fresh take to the new and old school sound. Moreso, Yosonova bridges boom-bap, jazz, R&B, and other soundscapes akin to one’s from the golden era of hip-hop.
Like Kid Pro proves time and time again, he can effortlessly flow over any instrumental presented to him. This tape shows no difference as the New Jersey rapper drops “lines that got ’em hooked, got ’em fiending before the base hit.” (“Black Noir (feat. 8aint Jame8)”). It even makes us think back to a time where hip-hop really thrived.
Back in the day, there seemed to be more originality and real effort put into lyrics. But, as more music releases, it’s the constant pattern of rappers using misogyny, violence, and boastfulness to drive their sound.
Thankfully, Kid Pro gives the newcomers a wake-up call with his storytelling method throughout KidNova, something I must admit has been lacking in the new music era for quite some time.
In the ten-track album, you’ll find the titular character carrying a strong suit of confidence as he spits about his unmatchable gift of gab and star-power. But, in the mix of things, the leading man begins to go through “this hell while trying to make sure he gets his heaven,” as he states in “11 PM In The NBRWD.”
However, his dilemma doesn’t last long because he pushes himself to fight through the pain. And ultimately, the hero of this story gets his well-deserved victory.
Kid Pro gave The Fresh Finds‘ contributor, Irate Specialist more insight about the overall message in KidNova, saying,
“We knew we were going to go with that duality theme of a hero that gets too full of himself. Then eventually, something happens and humbles him, and he starts realizing the important things in life not to take things so personal and better himself.”
Most importantly, Kid Pro remains open in his wordplay to conclude that we all have similarities. He raps about battling with the frustration behind needing to succeed and inner-thoughts.
We’re even introduced to an anonymous woman who seems to be the therapist in the story. Whenever the conquering hero is down in the dumps, she reminds him that the sun always shines after the rain.
The album also features The Horseman, 8aint Jame8, Velvet, Ron Solemn, Ace Feli, Guess Musik, and LB The Great.
Today I will be highlighting two tracks off KidNova: “11 AM in Parsippany” and “From Dad.”
The first track, “11 AM in Parsippany,” is a track that fits best for seizing the day. Coupling ruthless bars about “coming for bones, ligaments, and arteries” with an infectious march band drum-sounding loop, “11 AM in Parsippany” sees Kid Pro going in, without assistance from a hook. What’s even more impressive is that the lyricist doesn’t need to take a break to breathe!
Throughout the record, he drops warning bars for the individuals who downplay his talent. He also has a few things to say to people who suggest he change his sound.
“Smarten up, I ain’t jump around and won’t dumb it down/Been that monster you hearin’ that’s whippin’ up from the underground,” he spits. “Rapping till there’s no air, niggas saying it’s no air.”
By the end of the boom-bap/jazzy offering, Kid Pro declares that “they couldn’t mark this man, even if they put a target on me (him).”
“From Dad” serves as an ode to Kid Pro’s sons, who have the power to influence the world positively. The rapper weighs in on this insight with words of encouragement for his little ones, telling them that they’ll never have to face anything alone. The feature, Velvet delivers this message with a lucid range, giving it passion and sincerity.
As the song continues, the wordsmith reflects on his sons’ growth. In his eyes, it was just yesterday when he gave them the building blocks to reach the pinnacle of enlightenment. Realistically though, they’re getting older, so it’s up to him to keep passing along wisdom.
He delivers, “Ten years as a dad, been through the good and the bad, tryna’ show you how to have everything that I never had.”
Elsewhere, Kid Pro realizes that he and his sons have a few similarities. All-in-all, he’s proud of them and can’t wait to witness their progression. The devoted father vows to be their number one supporter.
He raps, “I know you’re going to achieve whatever you believe/I’m here to lend a helping hand, and should you ever need a soldier or rider, promise I’m right beside ya/Through hell or high water; it’s love I’ll always provide you.”
The most admirable piece of “From Dad” is the advice he drops towards the end while also admitting that he’s not perfect either. Now, this is something we don’t hear from parents often, so for Kid Pro to tell his children that it’s alright to make mistakes is tear-jerk worthy. Sonically, the song is an R&B meets jazz offering.
He tells Stereotype‘s contributor, Ian C,
“‘From Dad’ is a song where I’m writing letters to both of my sons and ending both letters using this line, ‘The crazy part about seeing you grow up, is I’m getting older too.’ It’s always a surreal feeling watching your children grow over time, but you never bother to notice that you’re growing in front of their eyes as well.”
Listen to KidNova by Yosonova and Kid Pro below:
