This past week, Karniege released a brand new self produced EP "wOrKz Of aRt" on Bandcamp. The album is 7 tracks (and three radio versions) of pure serrated blade New York City hip hop. I first became familiar with Karni back in my I-love-everything-Def Jux-releases days when he linked up with producer Nasa to create the hard hitting single "Make News, which was featured on the Def Jux Presents 3 compilation in 2004. Even though his name was spelled differently then, he really started to make a name for himself from there, performing with Hip Hop elites like The Roots, Vast Aire, Dead Prez and Little Brother. I've personally known him since our days as part of the NYC "supergroup" The Reavers. I've always loved his style, and I'm glad to see his flows are still as sharp as ever. The thing about "wOrKz Of aRt" is that the beats really allow Karniege's flow to take center stage. The production is cool, but it's not anything too extravagant, and I believe that is intended. Its soul-purpose is to present the rhymes and provide the backdrop for every track. From the second you hear Not Like Me and the Eric B & Rakim Paid In Full drum pattern drops, you know you're in New York; gritty, proud and fast paced. Expect more of this throughout the EP - clever lyrics, aquatic flows and rhymes that pack a punch. Stream the entire release below, and be sure to support good music.
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