thatboykwame – the artist formerly known as Kwame – has shared details of his debut studio album, entitled anXXXiety attackkk! The album, announced this morning (June 17th), is set for release in just over two weeks’ time on Friday July 5th via Impressed Recordings and thatboykwame’s freshly-minted imprint THISSIDEOURSIDE.
The Western Sydney rapper, songwriter, singer and producer shared a new single entitled ‘anecdote’ in February to coincide with the announcement of his rebranding. This was followed by another new single, entitled ‘nothingtwosay’, in April. Neither track, however, will feature on anXXXiety attackkk! Instead, the album will feature 10 new songs – all solely written, produced and performed by thatboykwame himself.
thatboykwame – ‘nothintwosay’
“The album serves as the codes, ethics and guidelines to overcoming the constant battle within ourselves that we as individuals struggle to defeat,” said a statement from Impressed Recordings regarding the album.
“Themes such as self-immolation, pain, agony and suffering come to life through the analog sonic design of the album, and the raw and honest truth in which thatboykwame demonstrates and delivers through lyrics of personal struggles in a clear attempt to connect with individuals of all walks of life. Serving as an intense therapy session, the album creates the silver lining in gaining mastery over the voice in our head telling us otherwise.”
thatboykwame has released four EPs prior to his debut album: 2017’s Lesson Learned, Endless Conversations the following year, 2020’s Please, Get Home Safe and the now-eponymous release thatboykwame circa 2022. He also worked as a producer on Tasman Keith‘s debut album A Colour Undone, alongside collaborations with 1300 (‘Steve Jobs’), DZ Deathrays (the ‘King B’ remix), Holy Holy (‘Messed Up’) and B Wise (‘Tough Love’).
anXXXiety attackkk! can be pre-ordered on vinyl here.
Further Reading
Track By Track: Holy Holy Give Us the Inside Scoop on ‘Cellophane’
B Wise: ‘jamie’ Review – A Document of Ambition and Indignation
Tasman Keith: “Being Happy Will Lead to Everything Else I Wanna Do”
