— Following the release of his exclusive “Diva Freestyle” single, Southside Atlanta lyricist, Klassic Kell, drops his debut album, The Klassic Tape, Vol.1.
Following the release of his 2019 single, “Nobody’s Safe”, Klassic Kell had been relatively quiet as he presumably prepared for his next move. Now, since the start of 2021, the College Park product has released 2 singles, “Diva Freestyle” and “SOUFSIDE” — the latter of which appears on his newly released debut album, The Klassic Tape, Vol. 1.
The Klassic Tape, Vol. 1 is as fitting of an introduction to an artist as there ever may be. Klassic Kell told us everything we need to know about him both literally and subliminally. First and foremost, Klassic Kell put his skills on display as one of Atlanta’s best lyrical talents while also showing through his beat selection, song structuring,and album sequencing (among other things) that he’s been a student of the game for quite some time. Storytelling also plays a major role in The Klassic Tape, Vol. 1 as Klassic Kell gives incredibly vivid accounts of his life on tracks like “SOUFSIDE” and “PERFECT DAY”.
Produced by a team consisting of Micah Weston, PRODUCEDBYDM, Emani, and SE7EN, The Klassic Tape, Vol 1. felt both nostalgic and inspiring in regards to the future state of Hip-Hop. Songs like “PERFECT DAY” and “50/50” incorporate classic ‘boom bap’ elements while other tracks such “BOGUS CONVERSATIONS” and “MORNING SUN” rely on more entrancing dream-like instrumentals to enthrall the listener. Such a healthy mixture of “old” and “new” would lead one to believe that Kell and his collaborators have a firm understanding and appreciation for Hip-Hop’s history as well as a strong desire to put their own stamp on the game.
As far as features go, Klassic Kell enlisted the help of fellow Atlanta natives and frequent collaborators Wan Geez, Marv XXL, Andy Z6, and Korduroy Kash.
With all things considered and with a debut album like The Klassic Tape, Vol. 1, Klassic Kell has all of the potential to become one of Hip-Hop’s next great lyricists. The fact that he’ll be representing the Dirty South makes it that much better.