Artist Spotlight: Dom Kennedy
Last week, hip hop fans all over the Web were presented with Dom Kennedy’s latest mixtape, From The Westside With Love. As an up-and-coming artist not signed to a major label, many people were wondering: Who’s Dom Kennedy and what’s his deal? Hit the jump to find out more.
Dom Kennedy is a rapper from Los Angeles claiming Leimert Park as his neighborhood. Dom fell in love with rapping and music at the age of 12, when he would walk around his house freestyling and showcasing his music to his mother, and anyone else who would listen.
In 2008, he dropped his first mixtape entitled 25th Hour. After gaining an attractive number of fans, Dom released two more mixtapes in 2009: Future Street / Drug Sounds and Best After Bobby. Here’s the video for the song “Watermelon Sundae” off of 25th Hour.
Dom’s raps, lyrics, and sound recall the laid-back, smooth vibes L.A. is best known for. Check out a recent interview with Ashley Outrageous.
During the interview Dom talked about From The Westside With Love. After many listens, it’s clear Dom has room to improve the crafting of his songs to increase their universal appeal to fans of other genres. At the same time, he marks his ground and leaves his own stamp with a unique flow over creative, relaxed beats. Take some time to preview tracks off From The Westside With Love:
Still Me
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1997
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Choose Up
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Love The Future
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A Leimert Park Song
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To check out Dom Kennedy and download his latest mixtape head to his site, http://www.dopeitsdom.com/. Also follow him on twitter @DOPEITSDOM
I just read your review of Dom Kennedy’s latest offering, From The Westside With Love. I have a few issues with your comments. Where do you think he has to improve as an MC to gain universal appeal? In my opinion, besides Kush and Orange Juice from Wiz, this is without a doubt the best mixtape that’s been released this year! Dom is bringing something dope and fresh to the hip hop scene. The majority of the mainstream listening community may not be too familiar with his music, but his talent is without question top notch!
Dom is representing a new era of west coast hip hop where you don’t have to a gang-banger (no disrespect to the legends, NWA, Snoop, Dogg Pound, MC 8, Warren G, etc). He’s talking about everyday life which is ACTUALLY something that people can relate to on a daily basis. I think it’s time we support more artists from the West such as Pac Div, Kendrick Lamar, etc. who are making a point that you don’t have to “bang” in order to be hot.
Sonically, Dom’s beat selection is impeccable on his latest mixtape and his flows are effortless. Sometimes the game needs a rapper who may not be as lyrical but can still be witty and keep his audience excited for a whole tape. Lastly, this mixtape plays like an album and is better than 95% of the retail/mainstream albums released this year. I’m from VA but I’ve always been a lover of west coast music and it’s time we embrace new sounds from new people rather than hope for the same “mainstream appeal.”
What ever happened to liking good music? Don’t worry, Dom will be one of the most sought-after new artists within the next year. I’m out.