California rapper KYLE shows incredible potential on his full-length, major label debut album, ‘Light of Mine.’ It’s not without flaw, but there’s plenty to like.

KYLE (Twitter handle @SuperDuperKyle) already proved his potential long-before the arrival of his full-length, debut album. Nonetheless, the hella likable Cali rapper shines on Light of Mine. While Light of Mine isn’t a perfect album, Kyle Thomas Harvey gives listeners plenty of reasons to adore him.  Yes, his signature laugh is among those reasons.

“Ups & Downs”

“Ups & Downs” commencesLight of Mine reflectively as KYLE discusses his emotions and overall state of mind. Given the title, he highlights the good and the not-so-good, spitting over bright, popping, major-key production. Cleverly, he references Kid Cudi, who’s song is interpolated on here.  He keeps things short on the follow-up, “Coming, Going?” which features some unexpected collaborators – Take 6.  Two songs in, there’s promise on Light of Mine, if it feels a bit quirky.

Fittingly, “Coming, Going?” serves as a pre-cursor to “Zoom,” which is lengthier, but still fails to hit the three-minute mark.  What’s endearing about the record, and Light of Mine as whole up until this point is KYLE’s distinct tone of voice.  Notably, he shares his singing voice, as well as the pop-rap we’re accustomed to.  Listening to “Zoom,” he’s a mixture of Drake and the aforementioned Kid Cudi (more on that Cudi influence later).

“Ikuyo”

In final preparation Light of Mine, KYLE released the uniquely-titled, Japanese-oriented gem “Ikuyo”, featuring 2 Chainz and Sophia Black. “Ikuyo” maintains the jubilance exhibited by KYLE.  Even when he raps over a harder beat or darker production work, he’s proven his ‘buoyant’ personality is unstoppable.  That’s the case once again on “Ikuyo.” He has a tougher delivery compared to previous singles, yet even his amplified toughness is endearing. His crowning achievement is the chorus.  Sophia Black is responsible for the unique pre-chorus, which sans translation or Japanese fluency, you’ll have no idea what she’s singing. As for 2 Chainz he’s ‘true to self’ – best taken with a grain of salt.

“Babies”

Following the “Ikuyo,” “Games”– featuring an intro by the recurrent Lil Yachty – finds KYLE keeping things brief. Essentially, he asserts that the games he wants to play are real – becoming the best in the rap game.  From thegames, he moves on to “Babies” which pairs him with Grammy-winner Alessia Cara.  It’s captivating that “Games” and “Babies” are paired side-by-side given their dichotomy.  Whereas “Games” finds the rapper being ambitious for the crown, “Babies” focuses on a relationship where both parties are immature – infantile in navigating the union between two.

“OpenDoors” begins with a skit between KYLE and ‘Lil Boat’ (Lil Yachty).  The song continues to focus on love and relationships.  Essentially, the rapper/singer is proposing how to be a better boyfriend, including chivalrous practices like “opening doors.” It goes deeper, but that the gist of the lush, five-minute selection, assisted by the soulful Avery Wilson.

“To the Moon”

Remember that Kid Cudi influence? It’s crystal clear on “To the Moon”, an early single and one of the elite songs from Light of Mine.  KYLE keeps things short and sweet, contrasting “OpenDoors.” Opening with moody, minor key production work, a vibe is set from the jump. Adding to that mood and vibe is a slower, more relaxed tempo. Despite the pace, the drum programming keeps the rhythmic intensity on-point. Even against a darker backdrop with the Cudi vibes kicking, KYLE remains a true ‘beacon of light.’

Light of Mine is chocked full of goodness, but arguably nothing is better than “Playinwitme” featuring Kehlani. From the start, “Playinwitme” has hit written all over it.  Set in a major key, the record bursts with optimism and fittingly, playfulness. KYLE dominates the majority of this record, beginning with a catchy, melodic chorus, accompanied by piano.  The melodic, pop-rap continues on his first verse, where he’s clearly on autopilot.  On the second verse, Kehlani arrives in all her glory.  Picking up where the rapper left off, she impresses with her pipes, delivering her own set of memorable lyrics. The two eventually join forces on the brief bridge, and the final chorus.

“iMissMe”

KYLE trades one hella busy collaborator (Kehlani) for another (Khalid) on the groovy, throwback “iMissMe.”  The situation? Breaking up and rediscovering one’s self.  Follow up  “ShipTrip” manages to be both lush and quirky. The quirkiness and somewhat unsettled nature of seems to fit into the rapper’s honest self-assessment.  “Rodeo” is more easy-going – groovier and jazzier – exemplifying the West Coast sound. Rather than focusing on his own issues, KYLE sings/pop-raps about this girl who moves out to Los Angeles, struggling to make it. He can ‘holder her down’ – “take her to Rodeo.”

“It’s Yours” is lethargic in pace, sounding both soulful, yet also potentially ‘high.’ The vibe is a huge selling point.  KYLE even switches up flows, opting for melody on the first verse, and delivering straight rhymes on the second verse. There’s also a memorable speech (skit) at the end. Penultimate record “Clouds” just crosses two-minutes featuring one big verse.  Light of Mine ends on a high note with “iSpy,” his breakout hit with the ubiquitous Lil Yachty.  Though “iSpy” has been around for a minute prior to Light of Mine, it remains glorious to the nth degree.  Bright, bubbly, exuberant, and most of all, fun.

Final Thoughts

All in all, KYLE shines on his debut album Light of Mine.  It’s not perfect and it has its moments that lull rather than thrill, but more often than not, he is able to capture his awesome personality on the track. Perhaps his honest, self-critical moments aren’t as fun as his bubblier, exuberant ones, but his self-consciousness is incredibly relatable.  Imperfections aside, there’s plenty to rave about on Light of Mine.  “Let it shine KYLE, let it shine!”

Gems: “Ikuyo,” “Babies,” “To the Moon,” “Playinwitme,” “iMissMe”& “iSpy”

KYLE • Light of Mine• Atlantic • Release: 5.18.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic