Kwamé returns to the spotlight with The Different Kids, a self-produced album that celebrates his roots in sample-based Hip-Hop while showcasing his evolution as an artist. Featuring 15 tracks, the album is a personal statement, reflecting Kwamé’s feelings of being different from the mainstream and celebrating fans who identify as "The Different Kids."

“The album title explains how I’ve always felt as a person,” Kwamé shares. “I didn’t necessarily align with mainstream life. I’ve always felt different. By using 'Kids' in the plural, I’m speaking both to my experiences and to the people who connected with my music.”

Kwamé, who made a significant impact on Hip-Hop in the late 1980s with The Boy Genius and A Day in the Life: A Pokadelick Adventure, has returned to his own artistry after years as a producer. The Different Kids is not just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a testament to his growth and creativity, blending Golden Age Hip-Hop with a modern twist.

The album opens with “The Kwamé Show,” a sample-heavy track reminiscent of his earlier style but with a fresh cadence and evolved flow. Tracks like “Hello/Anybody?” and “Stroke Dif’rent” highlight Kwamé’s sharp lyricism and innovative production. The latter, inspired by the Diff'rent Strokes theme song, is a standout that reignited Kwamé’s passion for music creation.

“Adulthood” offers a realistic perspective on relationships, set to a nostalgic boom-bap rhythm, while “Lemme Git (All Owt)” creatively reimagines the melody from “Funky Cold Medina.” “No Way Go Away,” featuring Vivian Green, celebrates positivity with a soulful edge, and “Ms. Mary Mack” transports listeners to a classic dancehall atmosphere with its bouncy, drum-driven beat.

“Uaintgottalie” brings a doo-wop vibe, sampling “You Ain’t Got to Lie to Kick It” by The Last Poets, while “Ole Skool Rapper” features Lady Tigra from L'Trimm, delivering witty commentary over a track sampling “Do the Funky Penguin” by Rufus Thomas. “Nobody” pays homage to the classic “La Di Da Di” by Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, showcasing Kwamé’s storytelling and precise flows.

The introspective “Kwamé 2 Kwamé” imagines a conversation with his younger self, blending electronic elements with subdued beats to highlight his growth as an artist. The album concludes with “There Eye Go,” featuring King Pleasure and Zacarra, where Kwamé’s lyrical prowess takes center stage over a hard-hitting beat.

“I decided I would only rap over beats that inspire me,” Kwamé explains. “I strive to be as creatively expressive as possible without anyone telling me, ‘No. You can’t do that,’ except for myself. That mindset is the essence of the album.”

The Different Kids is a celebration of Kwamé’s enduring creativity and his ability to maintain a distinct voice in an ever-changing music landscape. With its mellow, jazzy, and funky vibe, the album delivers a timeless quality that blends old-school Hip-Hop with fresh energy. Kwamé’s sharp lyricism, social commentary, and captivating storytelling make this album a standout in today’s Hip-Hop scene.

One Love – Todd M. Judd