The hip hop tune Midway by Kenyan artist Khaligraph Jones is a lyric-driven storytelling expertise that feels very intimate and deliberate. Fairly than counting on heavy, explosive manufacturing, the observe prioritizes a mirrored image in regards to the artist’s private narrative and expertise. Khaligraph and Mordecai’s supply all through the observe and circulate is measured, intentional, and managed, highlighting their technical dominance, a nod regarding the observe’s title of by no means doing any factor midway.
One of many coolest facets of the tune for my part, the combo of English, Swahili, and Kenyan dialect Sheng, which retains the tune tied to its East African roots whereas concurrently reinforcing cultural hybridity. I felt like this made the tune really feel extra private and genuine as a result of language is a recognized indicator to strengthen a neighborhood or atmosphere.
There are various lyrical strategies that Khaligraph Jones employed all through the observe that showcase his expertise. The wordplay and alliteration used all through the observe, an instance being “Seashore promoting seashells”, exhibits how a repetition of sharp consonants enhances the rhythm and momentum. There are also many popular culture and historic references peppered all through the tune, bearing on subjects resembling Jeff Van Gundy, DMX, and native Kenyan political tensions involving election vote counting. These references situate Khaligraph inside each international hiphop tradition and native political actuality, emphasizing the intersection between the 2.
Most of the themes on the observe contact on dedication, resilience, and the emotional complexity of navigating success. Khaligraph acknowledges and displays on the battle, envy, and stress he experiences as an artist with out sounding resentful. The recurring concept that he nonetheless has many tales to inform makes the tune really feel ongoing, slightly than having a stable and finite conclusion. General, I loved the affect of Midway, and it stands as a observe that highlights effort in each music and life.
