North Philadelphia phenom KiFromJerome is back with his latest album Die2Myself — a 7-track collective that highlights the depths of hip-hop’s roots alongside its new intricate influences. But more importantly, Die2Myself is truly a body of work that tells the story of so many marginalized young black men in America. A creative jazz-influenced ensemble, with a mix of melody, poetry, skits, monologues and an overall scope of reality for the Philly gem — Die2Myself is a testimonial to surviving, and also homage to the overall lived experience of some African Americans. Speaking from the heart of hearts for brothers, friends, and peers growing up in the same streets, Die2Myself is more than just a listen but a world listeners can audibly walk into.
To set the tone, in the beginning of track 2, “JUST A CLICHÉ” KiFromJerome says, “Echoes from the ghettos…where greatness lives and dies. It’s a boy down the street with an amazing story to tell, but he ain’t gon’ make it to tell you — ” which is just one sentence from a monologue I the beginning of the song. The depth of this statement is the easiest way to explain how KiFromJerome sets the scenery for a world widely spoken but only known to its born and sworn in beings. Carefully curated throughout the track list, he uses the real stories and ways of life the world would otherwise make seem like a entertaining spectacle. Other records like “Omertà”, “USUAL SUXPEK” and the album’s focus track, “FOLLOWED YOU HOME”, fully encompass the message of a young man trying to outsmart his given circumstances, and battling with survival he knows vs the tactics meant to save him in the long run.
From his 2023 debut Thanks To Jerome St to three years later with Die2Myself, KiFromJerome has delivered a stellar body of work for listeners to appreciate and digest and newcomers to be introduced to. Might we add, if Die2Myself is your first introduction to KiFromJerome, welcome to a trippy ride with a very talented kid from Jerome St.
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