Rich Brian, Kids | Track Review

Indonesian rapper Rich Brian shines on “Kids,” the sleekly-produced second single from his sophomore album, ‘The Sailor.’  

“R.I.P. Nipsey, R.I.P. Mac / These inspirations always gon’ motivate me to rap / Let’s celebrate their lives and the people that they impact…”  That’s one of the notable bars that Indonesian rapper Rich Brian spits on “Kids,” the second single from his forthcoming album, The Sailor (July 26).  Early on in his career, age of 16 to be exact, he was the same rapper that offended people with controversial single “Dat $tick”.  Following “Dat $tick” and a host of other singles, his promising debut album, Amen, arrived in 2018. If “Kids” is any indication, then his sophomore album should be promising as well.

“Kids,” which follows single “Yellow”, clocks in at four-and-a-half minutes – he seems to have a lot to say.  The record features soulful production work with dusty drums and lush sounds including piano, robust bass line, horns, and synths. “Kids” is co-produced by Bekon (who previously appeared on “Yellow”), Brian Immanuel (aka Rich Brian), Craig Balmoris, Frank Dukes, and The Donuts. Even with a loop in play, the backdrop features contrasts that keeps things intriguing.

What’s notable about 20-year old Rich Brian is that he brings a bit more oomph to his performance. While he had a cool vibe before, it’s cool that he doesn’t sound monotone or the slightest bit deadpan. Brian also exhibits an excellent flow, riding the beat well: “Amazon Prime flow, you know I’ll always deliver…” Worth noting, there is no chorus; Brian drops straight bars for the most part, though a bridge section divides the first and second verses.  With plenty of notable bars, another favorite is:

“Generations to sacrifice, that we’ll always remember
It’s that circle of life shit, they hold me up like I’m Simba.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Kids” is an enjoyable, well-rounded single by Rich Brian. To reiterate an earlier point, if it’s any indication of what’s to come on The Sailor, coupled with the goodness of “Yellow” preceding it, Brian has another promising effort on his hands.

Rich Brian • The Sailor • 88rising / 12Tone Music • Release: 7.26.19

Photo Credits: 88rising / 12Tone Music