Kenyan producer, artist, and DJ Blinky Bill recently unveiled his highly anticipated third studio album, ‘We Cut Keys 2’, with a listening party that offered an exclusive audience a glimpse into the new sonic landscape and sound quality achieved in his latest releases.
Crafted predominantly in Nairobi during the challenging times of the pandemic, ‘We Cut Keys 2’ represents a significant evolution in Blinky Bill’s musical journey. Building on the exploratory and experimental nature of his previous projects, the album seamlessly blends traditional tribal drum sounds with contemporary electronic music, hip-hop, and jazz elements, creating a rich and dynamic tapestry of sound that reflects the diverse cultural influences of modern Kenya.
Featuring a stellar lineup of collaborators, ‘We Cut Keys 2’ sees Blinky Bill joining forces with some of the most exciting voices in music today. From Ghanaian singer/rapper Fuse ODG and American artist GoldLink to Jamaican talent Shauna Fung Yee and Kenya’s own music legend Maji Maji, the album is a celebration of diverse musical styles and influences coming together in harmony. The collaboration with Fuse ODG on the track “Constant K” is particularly noteworthy, as it fuses Afrobeats with Nairobi sounds, creating a vibrant and infectious party anthem that is sure to get listeners on their feet.
The album’s opening single, “Dracula,” serves as an urgent call for unity and activism, with its infectious rhythm and thought-provoking lyrics standing out as a departure from Blinky Bill’s previous work. The track “Get The Paper,” on the other hand, is a masterclass in genre-blending, combining funk, hip-hop, and jazz influences to create a sound that is uniquely Blinky Bill. The accompanying visuals for this track are also a highlight, showcasing Blinky Bill’s creative vision and artistic flair.
One of the most remarkable aspects of ‘We Cut Keys 2’ is the attention to detail in its production. Six years in the making, the album was mixed by legendary engineer Commissioner Gordon, known for his work on Grammy-winning albums like Lauryn Hill’s ‘Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, Amy Winehouse’s ‘Frank’, and Damian Marley’s ‘Welcome to Jamrock’. The mastering of the album was handled by Tony Dawsey, renowned for his work on Jay-Z’s ‘Black Album’ and ‘The Blueprint’, Whitney Houston’s ‘My Love Is Your Love’, and Jay Electronica’s ‘A Written Testimony’, among other classic albums. This meticulous approach to production has resulted in an album that not only sounds incredible but also showcases Blinky Bill’s growth and maturity as an artist.
The listening party for ‘We Cut Keys 2’ provided an exclusive audience with a unique opportunity to experience the album’s new sonics and sound quality firsthand. Blinky Bill gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind the album, sharing insights into the inspiration behind each track and the challenges he faced in bringing his vision to life. The event was a testament to Blinky Bill’s commitment to his craft and his desire to connect with his audience on a deeper level.
With its eclectic mix of influences and innovative approach to music production, ‘We Cut Keys 2’ is set to make a significant impact on the music scene, cementing Blinky Bill’s reputation as one of Kenya’s most exciting musical talents. The album is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together, and it serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of artists in the face of adversity.