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Kendall Tucker, aka 14KT is one of Michigan’s most slept-on hip-hop producers, and he feels that when it comes to the music game, he is getting Nickle & Dimed, hence the title of his latest record. Shining as the star force of the Michigan hip-hop collective known as the Athletic Mic League, 14KT has spurred somewhat of a cult following due to his peculiar, yet authentically hard-hitting sound.

Many producers fall into a niche and can easily be compared to others and even be confused with others, but it takes an adept musician to create a sound worthy of the label “one of a kind.” And so it is with Nickle & Dimed, the producer’s latest oeuvre, that listeners are rewarded with another solid set of instrumentals like no other and then some.

Like an old Kanye song, the majority of the songs’ introductions had me feverishly trying to catch the beat. In the most engaging way possible, a few sparks of sample here and a few clacks of percussion there had the rhythm of the track practically unrecognizable before the drums hit hard and the beat dropped in and had me in full swing. Each and every listener should have a similar experience.

After catching the beat, it was damn near impossible not to rock to the swing of the drums. For those unfamiliar with 14KT, it is important to note that part of his signature sound is his off-kilter drums; hi-hats, kicks, snares and other unique percussion instruments swing rhythmically in their own way. Meaning, at times, it may sound as if the kick is not syncopated with the snares and hats, but that is the beauty of it. Drums need not to always be squared away with the rest of the track; it is that swing and off-beat force moving the song forward that makes 14KT’s beats so enticing.

As the drums sway neither here nor there (in any particular direction, that is), drawn-out harmonies played out on an electronic keyboard fill the background of the song as heavily chopped samples cut through the electrifying synths like butter. Raw energy is pumped into the veins of every track through Tucker’s undeniable knack and ear for booming samples and masterful musicianship.

The hip-hop instrumentalist also gathered up some notable artists to drop verses over these beats and more as a sort of encore for the album. Although Blu drops a skippable, less than impressive verse, 14KT himself on his intro track drops some pretty crazy bars; as does MED, Black Milk and others on the latter half of the album.

Turning emotion into sound, 14KT took being Nickle & Dimed and turned it into arguably his best project since ’09s Nowalataz. Despite being mainly an instrumental album, 14KT easily captivates an audience with his aforementioned off-sync drum patterns, energetic soundscapes and sample choices all bursting with color and creativity.

9/10

Tracklisting:
1) Five & Ten
2) Right So
3) Imonit!
4) Streamin’
5) Rosey Posey
6) West Coast Errol Flynnin’
7) 2wice Again
8) Go There
9) Packin’ Heat (Acap Outta Acap Flip)
10) Your Future
11) ‘Toris
12) Lincoln Lux
13) Tri-City
14) Crystal Figurines
15) Slo Swerve
16) PAID (feat. Blue)
17) Imonit! (feat. Ozay Moore)
18) W.C.E.F. (feat. MED & KoKane)
19) ‘Toris (feat. AB)
20) Crown (feat. Black Milk & MED)
21) Slo Swerve (feat. Jamall Bufford & JMSN)

***Notable Mentions:
Goodie Mob: Age Against The Machine
Fluent: Retro Future
Neek The Exotic: Hustle Don’t Stop
Blame One & J57: Walk In The Sun

Tags : 14KTMello Music Group
Stone

The author Stone

Stone is a hip-hop enthusiast residing in NJ/PA. As an aspiring hip-hop producer, Stone studies communications and shares his passion for music by letting the world in on the wonderful world of hip-hop.