Keni Can Fly, the 22 year-old notable talent roaming the streets of Hollywood, has released his first full length debut EP "cherimoya LUV". Co-produced by Keni himself along with some friends, these 6 tracks are indicative of an impressive musical catalog to come.
Cover Artwork by Sam DeFrank
Attention: Keni Can Fly has landed. Today, on the 21st day of October, the Los Angeles-based shooting star Keni Can Fly released his first full length EP titled “cherimoya LUV”. Hiphop meets indie meets jazz meets shrooms, every song on the project hits, and there’s an undeniable element of sentimentality embedded in the music. Consisting of 6 well-crafted tracks, Keni Can Fly’s “cherimoya LUV” speaks on themes of growth, childhood nostalgia, morality, and the complexity of relationships. Pookie listened to the EP on repeat all day long and here’s our takes on each track off Keni Can Fly’s debut EP “cherimoya LUV” , in order:
“Lilikoi2”
Produced by Keni Can Fly himself, this is the opening track of the project, the one that sets the tone of it all. Being one of the more experimental songs on the EP, “lilikoi2” I find is the perfect pre-game to the rest of the record. It’s incredibly dynamic, and flexible with the vibe it offers, touching elements that are present in each of the other songs. “lilikoi2” begins with a unique vocal tone and some ominous chords, then immediately slips into a motorized synth-driven groove pocket, the perfect vehicle for Keni’s cogent rapping about his daily life and mindset. The track has a breakdown midway thru, and it takes a smooth turn towards bedroom hiphop, before the track fades out a delayed vocal sample.
“chasingbutterflies” (feat. Bennett)
“chasingbutterflies” is warm and friendly and easy to enjoy. Witty and charismatic lyricism coupled with twinkling jazz piano chords and a steady, punchy hiphop beat, this track is about the kind of love that makes you feel like a kid. When you find someone who makes you want to stop counting time, the person you can run around and chase butterflies with. Schoolyard crush type beat. “Chasingbutterflies” was produced by Matteo Woods, and features Las Vegas based musician Bennett.
“mr. wednesday” (feat. WES)
This is the song you roll a fat blunt to. Something about rap songs that use an old school, EQ’d motown-esque vocal adlib make me want to get very high. Indica only. Produced by Guhbs, this track is ultimate nostalgia, the sweet crooning of the sample so comfy, and the scaled down drum arrangement leaves the perfect amount of space for the listener to internalize the goodness that oozes out of this record. Featured guest WES delivers his verse, unveiling the inner workings of his mind and detailing his deep-rooted determination towards his craft. The sounds of deep inhales are laden throughout the production, reinforcing the smokiness of this vibey track.
“99’ pollen”
“99’ pollen” was released as a single in May, but cements itself on “cherimoya LUV”. This track features an experimental opening, then finds itself churning in a vocal and brass-filled late 60s’ soul sample, matched with laid back drums, Keni Can Fly proceeds to lay his introspective, confident and confessional thoughts atop. Keni counts Jaden Smith and Tyler The Creator as some of his musical inspirations, and this becomes evident on this track. “99’ pollen” is another song I would be compelled to smoke a large blunt to.
“spiral blu guava”
This song is the sweet tooth of the whole EP. This is the one you listen to when you think of your person. Vocals are front and center on “spiral blu guava”, Keni’s voice accompanied only by an amped acoustic guitar strumming chords that sound as if they’re radiating from a sunsetting Polynesian beach. The ending comes with an unexpected revamp, completely coming to life with a full band and an ensemble of voices, creating a bed of reflections and smooth sounds. “spiral blu guava” was produced by none other than the man himself, Keni Can Fly.
“24carrots”
The final track of the EP, also produced by Matteo Woods, “24carrots” employs psychedelic guitars, light percussion, and a funky bassline to fill its soundscape. Opening with familiar twinkling synth keys that are laden throughout “cherimoya LUV”, the song feels like a hopeful, happy ending to a movie. Lyrically, the song focuses on someone from Keni’s past, someone who may or may not choose to think of him anymore. The song is told from the perspective of someone who has accepted the past and moved on for the better. “24carrots” is performed by Keni Can Fly and his amazing band The Wings, also produced by Matteo Woods.
Born in Las Vegas, Keni was largely influenced by his uncle while growing up. Being only 5 years older, his Uncle introduced him to rap music and how to freestyle. This was the catalyst for his artistic career. He references his Uncle “Tommy” in the lyrics of "99’ pollen". Also inspired by his Japanese heritage, real name Kenny Pich, the artist decided to become Keni Can Fly, a combination of the Japanese spelling of his name and a reassuring positive affirmation. The visual aspect of storytelling is incredibly important to Keni, he provides stellar videos and films to accompany his music. Recently having opened for Aminé, one of Keni’s favorite artists, the young musician has peaked the interest of many industry tastemakers and labels. Keni Can Fly and The Wings will be performing live at Wonderfront Music Festival in November in SoCal, and we highly recommend you do whatever you have to to be there. Or go to his show tomorrow night in Los Angeles. Be There Or Be Square. Keni Can Fly Soars!
10/21/2022
Keni Can Fly
Pookie Los Angeles
Comments