Much like all great timeless pieces of art, The Fuel EP has been a lesson in trusting the process for MC/producer duo Koncept and J57.
Recorded over a year ago at Red Bull Studios in LA, The Fuel EP is the precursor to the New York-based group’s debut LP, Flight, currently slated to drop in 2016. All too often, musicians are faced with industry pressure to release their new music as soon as it’s mastered, as opposed to releasing it when it makes sense for the artist and audiences alike. This is part of why it’s been so refreshing to watch Koncept and J57 build their fanbase organically, as well as take control of their own creative direction by releasing their music on their own terms under Kon57.
The Fuel EP is an underground soundtrack for warriors. Koncept’s perseverance shines through strong in his vocal delivery, with a storytelling element that appeals to both diehard fans of independent Hip-Hop and new listeners. J57’s top notch big stadium production and Koncept’s deeply personal lyrics makes The Fuel feel-good music for the people who always root for the underdog.
The 8-track EP is made up of carefully constructed music that doesn’t lose its sincerity or rawness along the way. Each track is as dynamic as its creators, and features guests such as the 12-year-old talent Nevaeh, Akie Bermiss, Hollis and Dice Raw, to name a few.
From being immersed in Hip-Hop as individuals to joining forces by way of working at the staple-but-now-defunct record store Fat Beats, to creating records as part of Brown Bag All Stars and working with countless collaborators over the years, the duo’s collective resumes run as deep as their passion does for making heartfelt music.
As an introduction to their ambitious and prolific sound, Koncept and J57 set their own bar exceptionally high with The Fuel EP. Check out the stream below and via iTunes.
Album art by Chris B. Murray.
