nombreKARI is a multi-faceted artist, storyteller, and visionary whose lush sound offers vivid imagery, articulating his coming-of-age experience from the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago within his music, resulting in an undeniably compelling genre-bending sound. On his stand-out track, “STAR GIRL” Kari intimately compiles an emotion-provoking performance alongside a talented ensemble of accomplished musicians, including Adlai, Eddie Burns, Gus Chvany, and Brooklyn Skye, serenading our ears with beautiful layers of winding synths, groovy bass lines, and climaxing horns that wrap the track with an addictingly nostalgic atmosphere fit for a standing ovation.
Personally, I have been a huge fan of Kari’s work for a while now and actually stumbled across it in a pretty full-circle manner. Back in 2019 – during the summer prior to my freshman year of high school – while routinely hovering over Lyrical Lemonade’s blog, I read a piece about his EP Hot Damn (the prelude) (peace to Elliot) and was just instantly consumed with his explosive track “RED CARPET RAVIOLI”. Although the sound of the track is a stark difference from what we know Kari’s music to be now, the venom in his delivery that is exhibited on his recent records is still boldly present. Since then, it’s been amazing to watch Kari’s sound evolve beyond just the confines of 808s and double-time hi-hats into the expansive and colorful sound palette his recent releases offer. A pivot clearly visible in the rollout and release of his debut album, Children Play With Fire, which, in my opinion, is one of the most profoundly accurate artistic depictions aimed at encapsulating the beauty, blemishes, and blessings endured while calling Chicago home.
Kari’s immense attention to detail is apparent in last November’s release of “STAR GIRL” which recently found its way back into my rotation. This track is so undeniably special, turning heads upon its initial release with notable playlisting and some writeups, yet – I feel – the single still deserves more ears and even more flowers. It’s a track that immediately resonated with me. One that painted a vivid world of its own in my head via its meticulously purposeful sonic details and Kari’s killer performance. Accompanying the track, we’re blessed with yet another Michael del Rosario-directed masterpiece, which brings the art to life with expansive visual storytelling within the music video.
With all that being said, it’s apparent that nombreKARI is a special talent that the music community can’t afford to overlook, and with new music on the way, it’s time to get familiar if you haven’t already. Until then, tap in with “STAR GIRL” using the links below!
Sincerely,
A genuine perspective