Written by: Julz Mancini
“The Will of the Genji” (TWOTG) is a musically inclined group that consisted of five talented creatives whom utilize the foundation of hip hop to create their projects. From the United States to South Africa, “The Will of the Genji” is a collaborative team that includes, Peter Leo (U.S.), Kastro Zaytana (U.S.), Alias (South Africa), L Tip (South Africa), and San the Instru-Monumentalist (Lesotho, South Africa). “The Will of the Genji 2” is the group’s sophomore album. It boasts an exciting, sonic journey into a mythical world where hard beats and hard rhymes are survival skills.
I’ve had the honor and privilege of listening to this amazing body of work. The introductory track titled, “Saturn”, gives a mysterious vibe which creates curiosity within the listener. The delivery of Peter Leo, Kastro Zaytana, and L Tip perfectly embraces the beat. The artists convey their lyrics soft spoken yet aggressively simultaneously.
As I continued on my journey through “The Will of the Genji 2”, I came across the song, “Tear Ish Up” which displays Peter Leo’s and Kastro Zaytana’s lyrical ability further. This song has the perfect Boom Bap feel to it. The hook is catchy allowing the listener to repeat the lyrics with energy and intent. Kastro is the first to set it off:
“Bloody like a hemoglobin. Boom Bap we awoken. Head tap banger via Motrin. Head tap see the token. Only in it for the fame, Peter Leo the emotion.”
“Tesla” caught my attention as the group utilized the name of one of the most sought after vehicles today. The repetitive, smooth beat captures the essence of each verse. Kastro Zaytana has an amazing energy combined with a gritty, unique voice.
“Ass fat with the knot knees. Aston but it’s not clean. Trapping with a block Queen. Black Benz with the high beams. Got my gun up on me, run up on me. What I’m telling you is not a story. Don’t let me crack you with this f**king 40.”- Kastro
Throughout the duration of this project, I became intrigued by the group’s creativity and raw truths. “Thuggin” is a great portrayal of the artists’ talent. Both Peter Leo and Kastro Zaytana coincide with one another perfectly as they maintain their momentum, lyricism, and passion for the entire track.
“Holding a calculator, snapping like an alligator. I taste the money way before I make it. We in the high rise with guns out the safe like, “Where you want to take it?!”. F**k with me now ma before we make it. Waste off lunch breaks from the day shift. These n**gas whole career is makeshift. They on some playsh*t.”- Peter Leo
Most hip hop lovers look to music for relatable content; to help them get through difficult times. “Rest of Y’all” is the kind of song that listeners will enjoy if they’ve lived the struggle in which the artists speak of.
“But what was I supposed to do? Couldn’t even drive because these child support disputes. Tried a 9-5 and I got fired. I was tired of it. Now I’m outside gathering my survival budget.” – Peter Leo
“I was born in the world where the laws are firm. Where the poor’s considered weak, where the rich ones strong. I was raised a ghetto child n**ga, living in poverty. I started on baltic in this land of monopoly.”- Butter the Barber
The songs mentioned above are only a taste of the full meal. These gifted creatives reveal their true love for the culture and plan to continue to bless the ears of their listeners! To check out these amazing artists in “Will of the Genji 2” be sure to stream the project available everywhere!
FOLLOW THE WHOLE TEAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Kastro Zaytana: TWITTER & INSTAGRAM
Peter Leo: TWITTER
Moeti: TWITTER
Alias (Producer): TWITTER
L Tip (Featured on “Saturn”): TWITTER
Nature (Featured on “Foolishness”): TWITTER
STREAM “WILL OF THE GENJI II” NOW!
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