Kent Money
Major Projects: Eyes Wide Shut
Notable Songs: “Reflections”; “God Bless”; “The Dealer (Feat. Ashly Breshe)”; “Mafia Money (Feat. BMac)”; “Making Something (Feat. Hit-Boy, Common & K Roosevelt)”; “Patience”
Kent Money channels the spirits of Nineties Mafioso gangster rappers in his aura. He uses his smooth flow to paint images of harsh street life and maintaining his high rank. While many contemporary artist, namely Rick Ross, have the same topics of interests, Kent stands apart thanks to his jazzy, laid back production. Instead of jumping in your face, or making songs about flaunting the riches that come with his lifestyle, a majority of his tracks are scaled down and have a golden era vibe. His sound is closer to Kool G Rap than many of his current peers, in that he is still spitting real street lyrics, but in an intensely lyrical manner.
His latest project, Eyes Wide Shut, showcases his lyrical prowess. The entire mixtape sounds like the soundtrack to the chilliest gangster flick possible. It is beautifully produced, but most importantly Kent’s lyrics lace the background sounds perfectly. Everything about his life gets touched on, even the health of his mother. Rather than hiding behind his persona, Kent comes off as really transparent, but what you might see when you look close enough is still a harrowing tale of hardship and street life. This is enhanced on songs like “Think About It” by the light jazzy production, with beautiful keys and bass lines playing by themselves. He becomes more than a rapper, but an introspective participant in the craziness that surrounds his life.
Kent is a breath of fresh air. Forgoing the usual 808 claps, kicks, and overpowering hats for a sample and lyrical heavy project really paid off well. Don’t think that you won’t find any contemporary production; he goes in over that as well. Check him out.
