In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we want to introduce you to upcoming artist Hundred Round Kado and his brand new project titled Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly).
There is a throwback quality to Boston-based lyricist Kado whose name means “gift” in his native language, Haitian Creole. He embodies a revolutionary and emotionally raw spirit reminiscent of the Golden Age of hiphop; aggressiveness mixed with deep introspection. However the emerging underground MC, the byproduct of systemic racism, violence and poverty, was heavily influenced by trap music (Gucci, Jeezy, T.I., Boosie, ZRo, Playa Fly). This versatility is a testament to his superpower – being able to articulate his experiences into words without creative compromise.
At 32 years-old, Kado has spent one-third of his existence behind bars yet his passion for rap has never wavered; if anything, it has intensified. The evidence can be found on his latest body of work, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly). Artfully executed, Kado’s 11th release is a tightly-wrapped 14-song tracklist with varied moods and masterfully narrated by Charlie Masheen who shines seamlessly. The title single is cathartic ghetto gospel that opens with Masheen’s thought-provoking spoken word laying the energetic groundwork for Kado to spit his soul baring truths over a sparse soundscape. On records like “Gratitude,” “Dead Person” and “9 And A Nina,” there’s a soulful rap&b vibe as the MC flawlessly flows atop melodic basslines, while cuts like “Boolin In The Kut” and “Bring Your Skale” find Kado showcasing his ability for cinematic storytelling. Each track is thorough enough to stand on its own yet as a whole, Never Lost A Gun Fight (Allegedly) is a brick-laced bar-for-bar symphony of cohesive hood poetry. It took over a decade of growth; highs and lows, lock ups and freedom, death and life for Kado to produce the autobiographical content found on the project. From subject matter ranging from legal woes and street politics to relationship struggles and spiritual breakthroughs, Kado’s young OG reputation was earned. “I don’t rap, I make my life rhyme,” says Kado about why he makes music.
Over the last few months, Kado has managed to drop back-to-back music videos for tracks from Never Lost A Gunfight (Allegedly), all while being confined to house arrest. The ability to hone in on the art and focus is seen in the outcome of the visuals; they don’t follow conventional scripts. In the video for the single “Dededede,” the dynamic rapper shows himself as somewhat of a bibliophile as the camera pans across his bedroom bookshelf showcasing the works of literary icons like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler and Zora Neale Hurston. This collection of female authors might seem somewhat of an anomaly for a gang member currently out on bail while awaiting trail for a gun charge (allegedly), but Kado is a rare breed.
Listen to the full project below:
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