Philadelphia rapper Kur returned Aug. 28 with a double-album release, ARD NOW and ARD YO, a 22-track collection that reflects both his growth as an artist and the language that has helped define him. The titles play on Kur’s native Philadelphia lingo, an element that has long been woven into his music through witty, coded slogans and wordplay that feel distinctly his own — but the best part is, he let a fan name the albums for him. With 11 songs on each project, the release gives listeners a full look at where Kur is creatively at this point in his career.
The Mt. Airy native has been building his name for more than a decade, with releases dating back to 2012. From his early days developing his style in Philadelphia to becoming a respected voice in the city’s rap scene, Kur’s progression has unfolded in front of his fans. His career has included collaborations, cyphers and moments that helped establish him beyond his neighborhood, but the core of his music has remained tied to Philadelphia and his own perspective. ARD NOW and ARD YO continue that progression while showing an artist who has grown not only in sound, but also in perspective.
Early standouts from ARD YO include “Nothing Is Private,” “Heads or Tails” and “Came a Long Way,” featuring the late PnB Rock, while ARD NOW has brought attention to “Grab Your Popcorn,” “Peachy” and “Fly Out the Nest.” As listeners make their way through both albums, the projects offer different windows into Kur’s current sound and mindset. Together, the 22 records feel less like a simple release and more like a snapshot of an artist taking inventory of how far he has come — while still leaving room to see where he goes next.
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