When I first came across Block Beats’ new body of work it was a month since its release. It was the ominous production of ‘Spooky’ coupled by a black and white visual featuring PRXNCE in his most cocky persona that piqued my interest. Blocka Beats is a seasoned producer in the Kenyan music scene bursting into the scene with “Nairobi Yetu,” released in 2021. Since then he has been on an upward trajectory working with artists across a vast soundscape. From working with Swahili Papi, Hiribae, Karun, Hendrick Sam and more, his portfolio is a sea of wealth when it comes to community. Prior to releasing his latest body of work,”Three-peat,”he has released several body of works including “R&B:Roe&Blocka,” and “No Hooks Just Bars.”
“Three-peat” is a rap project revolving around Blocks Beats and PRXNCE, with appearances from the Shrap OG Jovie Jovv, Tokyo Sauce and Mvroe. The three songs in the EP sees PRXNCE more self assured than before as he bluntly raps “…last time nlishika L sikumbuki last time walikula L ni kama juzi// I really am the best there is right now..” in ‘Spooky.’ It is evident that Blocks Beats has an ear for talent as he selectively curated an EP for his fans and lovers of rap. His keen detail to production is heard in ‘Ongeza’ as he seamlessly blends Tokyo Sauce and Jovie Jovv’s personalities with Prxnce. The beat drop comes at the perfect time complimenting Tokyo Sauce’s voice.
The collaboration between Blocka Beats and PRXNCE is the perfect thing I have heard in the Hip-Hop scene. PRXNCE has been the face of uptown rap when Kenyan rap started receiving local recognition. Over the years, Prxnce has established his position in the ecosystem with rap projects “Hitstape,” and “Comeback SZN.” His laid back raps evolve in a different flow adding on his ability to switch between Swahili and English pique most listeners. Blocka’s production complements PRXNCE’s rapping style. His cadence and confidence are top tier as he sneers at everyone who doubted him while Blocka’s keen ear for sounds create a timeless body of work. ‘Ongeza,’ sees the listeners taken on a sonic journey with the placement of the instruments. As the song starts there is gradual progression of sounds involved from finger snaps to the signature drill beats.
‘Stay Active,’ was released as the lead single featuring Mvroe. Immediately the song starts there is a sense of nostalgia that seethes through the production. The bass drum leaves an imprint as Mvroe steadily delivers the addictive hook doubled with a party boy aesthetic “..Everyday I cook like I am serving//I got lipgloss on both cheeks from two baddies..” PRXNCE goes on double or nothing in the outro track as Mvroe already set the pace. “..One time had a fling with a single mother almost had a stepson..” he cheekily states over the recurrent 808s. ‘Stay Active,’ perfectly sums up the three part EP on an upbeat production.
“Three-peat,” serves as an assemblage of some of the strongest voices in the rap scene. Grammatically peat is the top part of the soil and serves as the most useful part since it has nutrients. Listening to the tape makes you feel that you are interacting with the top tier in the rap industry.
Stream “Three-peat.”
