Ask any musical collective; healthy collaboration is the backbone of success. And while Magnum K.I.'s new self-titled full length might be a debut, there's a weighty and palpable sense of maturity within each of the ten island-infused and rhythm heavy hip-hop tracks. You've got to give credit to the dynamic method that DJ/Producer, Michael Arnone (aka DJ Kutdown), lead-vocalist/song-writer Ismaila Alfa and co-producer/song-writer Rob Crooks took to attain the dense and transcendental sound on their debut. Taking an organic approach, each member brought musical ideas to the table. Yet no track was ever considered finished until they'd all put their own fingerprints on it and the results speak for themselves. Combining the relaxed yet potent vibes of early Jurassic 5 with the sensibility that only a city like Winnipeg can provide, the three members of Magnum K.I. are truly onto something here. Rising from the ashes of seminal hip-hop outfit Frek Sho, they've spent enough time honing their craft to know what it takes to play the hip-hop game with poise, energy and tracks that will drag even the shyest wallflowers onto the dance-floor.
With showcases at CMW, SXSW, NXNE and Pop Montreal 2010 lined up, there seems to be little that can get in the way of this trio. They'll be hitting stages across the country from January to March of 2010. It's about time too; Magnum K.I. have worked hard enough to know what it takes to make a hip-hop outfit work. Now, it's time for the rest of the world to see what they're onto.
See them live in Winnipeg February 10th at The Pyramid opening for Raekwon of Wu Tang. More tour dates to follow.
- Check out the first single 'Tired' here
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