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14 KT, Ann Arbor, Michigan native and one talented producer set to turn heads with the weight of his latest release “Nickel & Dimed”. The album is 15 cuts deep, 14 knocking instrumentals and one ode from the man himself that calls out the frustrations of other shady individuals in the industry not willing to respect the simple fact that time and work equals money.
14KT checks this theme himself with a self assured confidence on opening track “Five & Ten”, where he highlights the grind that goes hand in hand with pushing music independently, and the common practice of artists jacking producers beats without even so much as a dime or blessing in return. To put some extra icing on the cake to this solid back to front album 14KT has included 6 vocal versions with some heavyweight guests breathing a second wind into 6 of the beats from the album. Guest duties come from Blu, Black Milk, Jamall Bufford (Buff1), MED and one of the west coast’s most slept on Kokane, in addition to the amazing AB, and JMSN who both add another point of difference to Nickel & Dimed.
Sonically the album is progressive showing 14KTs diversity as a producer while staying true to a sound he has built and refined over years in the game. Immaculate choice of sample flips, solid drum programming and an obvious penchant for synths sees consistency, depth and variety through the 15 tracks. The beats that grabbed me the most on the album where “Imonit!” “Crystal Figurines”, and “West Coast Errol Flynnin” where other cuts like “Go There” and “Streamin” didn’t really carry for me.
Although the majority of the beats stand alone, it was a really the addition of the 6 vocal joints that sealed the deal for me. The vocal tracks that grabbed me most were obviously the same standout beats for me. I was pleasantly surprised to hear MED & Kokane join forces on the neck breaker “W.C.E.F.” Both Mc’s ride the off kilter drums with a rawness that had me throwing up the W on this Detroit meets LA banger.
“Imonit!” feat. Ozay Moore was my repeat jam off the whole album, soulful and breezy vibes with hard drums to give it that right amount of crunch, I just wished it ran another verse.
“Crown” feat. Black Milk & MED was another stand out beat but with the addition of these two class acts I could feel 14KT channelling some Jaydee nastiness from his heavier Frank n Dank days. A seriously tough tune with both Black Milk and MED holding their own and doing this beat justice.
All in all a solid and diverse album showcasing the evolution of 14KT, someone I have most definitely slept on but will now be recommending to all crew! Here’s hoping the release of “Nickel & Dimed” sees 14KTs pockets a little larger after fans and newcomers realise the man is a serious talent.