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"Underground heroes.” — Chicago Reader
Chicago-based rap collective Tomorrow Kings announce their first new album in 12 years, SALT, out November 7th via Buenaventura Records, and present its lead single/video, “Regicide” (Feat. Ava Moman and Brittany Townes). Since their formation almost 20 years ago, Tomorrow Kings have indelibly influenced and transformed the realm of progressive rap with an innovative, world-building approach to writing. Initially a nine-person crew, Tomorrow Kings today is composed of artists SKECH185 (Backwoodz Studioz, War Church), Collasoul Structure and I.B. Fokuz of Jyroscope, Malakh El, Gilead7 (VirgoTwins, Expanded Art Records), and IL. Subliminal. SALT is Tomorrow Kings at their most focused and imaginative, a tour-de-force of dense and vivid penmanship.
Formed in 2007 out of a desire to create far-reaching art among Chicago’s most talented but underrecognized players, Tomorrow Kings quickly gathered a following through the soundclashing, cybernetic force of their early mixtapes and hard-hitting provocative live shows. This garnered attention made way for the crew’s lauded 2013 debut, the Vyle-produced N***** Rigged Time Machine, praised by The Source who commented: “If by the end of listening to the project, you haven't questioned something in your life or the society that surrounds you, you need to listen again.” A NRTM remix album followed, featuring contributions from progressive rap luminaries including E L U C I D, Uncommon Nasa, A.M. Breakups, AF THE NAYSAYER, and more, plus numerous solo projects: Jyroscope’s Overdue, I.B. Fokuz’s ADVENT: A Modern Bible, Gilead7 and Subtrax’s Peaces of War, L. Subliminal (as thrtysmthng)’s Authentic Mixtape Vol. 1, and most recently SKECH185 and Jeff Markey’s He Left Nothing for the Swim Back.
Now over a decade removed from their debut, Tomorrow Kings return with SALT, its title a subtle nod to the havoc wreaking substances permeating the communities and bloodlines from which the crew emerge. Featuring the likes of Defcee, Curly Castro, D2G, and the late Chicago legend Jason Gatz, SALT is vividly uncompromising. Tracks like “Red Summer” and “The Devil Woke Up Early” uncannily engage the ills of urban settings in Chicago, while the anthemic “No Brands” rails against an industry that forces an artist to choose between marketability and authenticity. The crew reexamines this sentiment on “B-Side Losers” where it looks inward, wrestling with the existential doubts every artist faces when questioning whether the grind is actually worth the sacrifice. “There is an unmistakable feeling of isolation that is difficult to avoid,” says IL.Subliminal of SALT, which was written and recorded during the quarantine of 2020.
Produced entirely by Melbourne’s decorated beat architect Aoi, SALT layers Tomorrow Kings’ advanced MCing over audacious, atmospheric soundscapes. The result is a showcase of literary prowess, a dismantling of formulaic punchline rap tropes, such as “Regicide” (Feat. Ava Moman & Brittany Townes).
Throughout their career, Tomorrow Kings have been acknowledged by some of the most respected voices in progressive hip-hop, with nods from artists like billy woods and Rob Sonic. This ongoing recognition underscores the crew’s visionary contributions to hip-hop culture. With SALT, Tomorrow Kings reaffirm their place as one of rap’s most crucial collectives.
For those in the Chicago area, Tomorrow Kings will play a special hometown release show in celebration of SALT on Thursday, December 18th at Schubas Tavern.
“Saltwater tears—sorow and healing in one breath.” |
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