Album Review: tg.blk Puts Kenyan Alt Hip Hop Scene on the World Map with a Gorgeous DIY Nostalgia EP ITS NOT THAT DEEP

Over the last few days, my haven for good music doesn't extend beyond tg.blk's 6-track EP ITS NOT THAT DEEP. "SUPERSTAR" came on my radar last week and I've been lowkey obsessed with the art and work of the Mombasa-born hip hop artist and producer whose history goes way back to the prime SoundCloud days when she uploaded music anonymously.

Some of the tracks and similar vibes are also on our Soulful Hip Hop playlist selection.

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The very first thought I had after hearing ITS NOT THAT DEEP for the first time was the fact that the whole thing sounded equally polished and rough around the edges. A balance that's so hard to achieve. The DIY vibe oozing from the record stems from the fact that tg.blk is an artist who can do it all by herself. I felt a thrill similar to the one you get when discovering an artist who you know will make it far in their career. While I am not sure what Nyathigi's ambitions are (she might be perfectly content where she is with her music right now), I am sure she makes the kind of music the world is in dire need of right now. She has already garnered millions of streams online and support from artists like Vince Staples, but mark my word - we're yet to see her global dominance.

Inspired by artists like J Dilla, Madlib, Earl Sweatshirt, and The Alchemist, her music bounces between boom bap, indie pop, r&b, lofi, and neo-soul, and often feels nostalgic. Her delivery carries a strong and confident message, wrapped around a layer of unapologetic carelessness. I guess ITS NOT THAT DEEP is a long way from her early anonymity days, when felt quite critical towards her music. Also, her moniker was inspired by artists like MF Doom and bsd.u who are characterized by that cloud of mystery and obscurity that adds a certain level of freedom when releasing your music into the world.

When it comes to a track-by-track breakdown of ITS NOT THAT DEEP, I feel each of the songs offers something and it's hard to pick favorites. Different, but cohesive - that's how I like LPs and the EP certainly delivers on that.

I apprecite the minimalistic opener "petty change" followed by the opposite 80s-flavourited dreamy "gin and wine (ginuwine)". Hands down, my first obsession song of the EP was "NYDFRYSTL" because flow-wise it reminded me of Little Simz and her prolific Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021).

For those looking for something spicier this summer, look no further from the groove of "Motorola Money". The monotonous delivery on that track and the repetitive beat will instantly send you to a perfect zero-fucks-given dance mode.

Lastly, couldn't think of a better way to wrap the experience than the nostalgic, soul-injected "can't stand it" and "SUPERSTAR". Both add a certain flavor to the EP and paint the full picture of emotions.

All of this leads to an important credit that has to be given to tg.blk's collaborators, producers, and friends who were involved with the creation of ITS NOT THAT DEEP - Eyezeck, Saint Patrick, Armel Blue, Oliver Zhang, and Portillo.

It won't be a shock to conclude this write-up with the bold, but extremely valid statement that tg.blk could be the next big thing in alternative hip hop. Also, it is a great reason to look into Kenya's rising music scene.