KMerc ft. Kingfrom98 – “I’m High” [Official Music Video]

By: Shamus Hill

KMerc recently dropped the official music video for his addictive single, “I’m High”, featuring Kingfrom98. Shot, edited, and directed by Tanj, this visual adds an additional layer of lovability to the Cambridge-native’s already successful release.

Both KMerc and Kingfrom98 were extremely busy in 2018, making use of the year to establish themselves as serious acts within the Massachusetts music scene. The pair have a natural connectivity between one another, so it was only fitting that they joined forces once again to deliver this song.

Watch the official music video for “I’m High” below:

Kingfrom98 – “Brothers” [Official Music Video]

By: Shamus Hill

Boston’s Kingfrom98 returns with the official audio/visual for his new track titled “Brothers”. Responsible for directing, shooting, and editing the video is Tanj, who once again produces a stunning piece of work.

This is Kingfrom98’s first release of 2019, and it’s looking as if he’s only going to be building atop the successes he’s had throughout his last year. “Brothers” circulates around those in Kingfrom98’s life that have continuously been by his side. Their presence hasn’t gone unnoticed, and this track serves as almost an ode in their honor. In addition to the thoughtful concept behind this track, Kingfrom98 makes use of a melodic sound that’s different from what his usual listeners would expect to hear. While different, the end result remains the same — a wonderfully-made track. Kingfrom98’s work ethic and support system are doing wonders for the young artist, with this release being one of his best yet.

Watch the official video for “Brothers” below:

Kingfrom98 – “Friendzone”

By: Shamus Hill

Deadlock Riot is a collective of diverse artists from the Boston area, and though they are relatively “new” to the ever-so-growing scene, they’re on a mission to prove that they’re to be taken extremely seriously. Deadlock Riot’s Kingfrom98 recently dropped “Friendzone” to help reinforce how versatile and talented the group truly is. Kingfrom98 has made a few appearances on the Graduation Music site to date, and deservedly so, he’s back today with some adaptations to his typical sound.

The complexity of “Friendzone” is what instantaneously attracted me to this record upon first listen. “Feels like I’m home when I have you by my side” echoes Kingfrom98 towards the beginning of the track, and from here he only dives deeper into his past relationships, and the feelings accompanied by these relationships. What I really love about “Friendzone” is how it continuously develops with each coming second. Starting off as a more somber, reflective piece of work, Kingfrom98 chops things up a bit, before diving on into the more upbeat remainder of the song.

On the second half of “Friendzone”, Kingfrom98 showcases his vocal skills as he continues to reflect on the love-related issues of his past. The ability possessed by Kingfrom98 to not only sonically develop, but to inject his personal life directly into his music is admirable. On top of this, he’s responsible for mixing and mastering each of his records. With each new release, it’s overwhelmingly apparent that Kingfrom98 is an artist from our area that’s worthy of undivided attention.

Listen to Kingfrom98’s latest offering, “Friendzone”, below:

Daily Discovery: KingFrom98

By: Jake O’Brien

Putting all hometown bias aside, today’s Daily Discovery is focused on Boston native Kingfrom98. Around a year ago, this young musician had no real intentions of getting involved in rapping, or the making of music in general. But, as some close friends began to take the idea of a career in music much more serious, he was persuaded to try his hand at creating a song. Since then, Kingfrom98 has blown through a majority of his competition in and around the city of Boston. The incredibly short amount of time it has taken King to create a name for himself in the 617 is something we just cannot overstate, because this early measure of success is just a small preview of what we are sure is to come.

Delivering his lyrics with a level of rich, passive-aggression, Kingfrom98’s words carry a palpable amount of weight as they are verbalized. When combined with a seemingly limitless supply of bars, King’s vocals create a lasting impression on all who listen to his music. As he begins to build a name for himself on social media, we fully expect his following to take off on a larger scale sooner rather than later.

King’s most popular release, a single titled “Seeing Us”, has amassed a whopping 75 thousand plays on Soundcloud and is undoubtedly a major factor in the rapid progress his music has attained. Not only is “Seeing Us” a song that exemplifies the abundant energy brought to the mic by Kingfrom98, but it is also an anthemic track that gives its listeners a hard time in resisting the urge to jump along with the song’s beat and hook. “Seeing Us” also features two other artists, D-Sounds and Steviel, and both give substantial verses that maintain the overall vibe of the song established by Kingfrom98 and producer Deciccio. This is one artist you don’t want to overlook, so make sure you take a peek at his Soundcloud as soon as you get the opportunity!

Kingfrom98 – “PA1D/Drop” [Music Video]

By: Shamus Hill

One of the most hardworking artists in the Boston area, Kingfrom98, makes his return to the Graduation Music pages today with the music video for two of his singles, “PA1D” and “Drop”. The visuals, which were shot, directed, and edited by Tanj, was elegantly done, and perfectly encapsulates the energy of both of these tracks. I’ve been seeing more and more work from Tanj throughout the last couple of weeks, each time casting a spotlight upon some lesser known, yet extremely talented, artists throughout the Bay State. The video is all-around visually pleasing, and not only showcases Kingfrom98, but provides a glimpse at his team as well.

“PA1D” is the song in the first half of the music video, and it’s here where Kingfrom98 lets the masses know that the only thing he’s focused on at the moment is his bag. Distractions come at him from all angles and in many different forms, but he’s on a path towards greatness, and is doing all that he can to remain on this path. During the time he was making this track, Kingfrom98 was in the midst of a rough patch in life. Despite this, he was successful in overcoming what he endured, making an incredibly addictive song in the process. Living proof that we all can overcome adversity, Kingfrom98 wants the world to know that he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

“Drop” is the song present within the second half of the video, and much like “PA1D”, this offering is a straight-up hit. Yet to be released anywhere besides this video, “Drop” is a wonderful addition to Kingfrom98’s arsenal of tracks. Every song he’s put out has been mixed, mastered, and engineered by himself, showcasing the fact that he is truly a jack-of-all-trades. Kingfrom98 is in the studio every day, whether it be working on music of his own, or assisting other artists with their own music-making process. People like him are what help make our scene as promising as it is. Props to everyone involved with the making of the “PA1D/Drop” video, this one is something to be extremely proud of.

Watch the “PA1D/Drop” music video below:

KMerc ’57 Columbia’ (Album Review)

By: Shamus Hill

Cambridge, MA continues to prove to the world that it’s a hotspot for music. From the likes of Connis and Rothstein all the way to Millyz, Cambridge has shown that it possesses a variety of high-caliber artists. Recently, I was hipped to another young talent from the area, KMerc, whose 57 Columbia project dropped last week. It isn’t every day where you discover a new artist with an exceptional debut album, however, that’s the position we find ourselves in today with this ambitious young act.

Upon first listen to 57 Columbia, it’s easy to note the dominant presence which KMerc exhibits over each instrumental. Entirely produced by HD, the pair possesses an exuberant ability to work well with one another. The beats are tailored perfectly towards KMerc’s saucy, emotion-filled sound, which assists in making the project both thorough and cohesive.

Listening through this album, you’ll stumble upon an array of noteworthy tracks. The intro, titled “Intro (Favors)”, is one of those noteworthy songs that deserves mentioning. KMerc comes at you right away with his high-energy vocals, establishing the feel for the remainder of the project. Speaking on not owing anyone any favors and how he’ll achieve his goals on his own if need be, KMerc quickly begins to showcase his high level of talent. “Quicksand”, which features Kye Bills, is the second song on the album, and it’s here where the duo communicate how they won’t be “sinking” anytime soon. Overall, I’m a really big fan of how this track, in particular, was put together, but the continuous Patriots references throughout were what really made me throw this song on repeat.

“Real You” which features AC Gotti and Kye Bills, was an additional favorite of mine. The trio brings some real dancehall vibes into the mix with this record, and I’m 100% here for it. Helping to diversify KMerc’s sound, “Real You” is a shining example of how versatile he really is. “With You” is the second to last song on the project, and it’s here where KMerc offers an emotional, appreciative display towards the girl he loves. An ode to how much more pleasant life is when she’s around, KMerc exhibits the respectable ability to insert truth and feeling into the music he creates. Assisting in bringing this undivided offering to a close, 57 Columbia proves to be an album worth listening to.

I’m beyond excited to see what’s next to come from Cambridge’s newest sensation. He has a large appetite for success, and as his music states, he won’t be letting up whatsoever until he achieves his goals. Keep KMerc on your radar.

Listen to KMerc’s debut album 57 Columbia below:

Kingfrom98 – “Black Balenciagas”

By: Shamus Hill

Making his debut onto the Graduation Music pages is none other than Boston’s own, Kingfrom98. “Black Balenciagas” is the catchy record that you need in your life right about now, with Kingfrom98 detailing his desire to put on for the people in his life who’ve continuously shown him love and support.

While Kingfrom98 has a noteworthy presence on this track, what ultimately blew me away was the fact that he was also responsible for mixing and mastering the song. In addition to “Black Balenciagas”, he mixed and mastered the rest of his catalog as well, showcasing how much of a multi-faceted artist he truly is. This record in particular features some high-energy production, which Kingfrom98 captures well. While things may not have always been easy in his life, he’s got his eyes set on being a successful artist, and is willing to do whatever necessary to achieve that goal.

As you dive deeper and deeper into his Soundcloud, you’ll ultimately end up with a few new additions to your musical rotation. “Attention” was his most recent release prior to “Black Balenciagas”, and I honestly love that track as much as I do this one. Kingfrom98 is already showing that he can successfully diversify his sound, so I’m really excited to see what he’s got coming for us next.

Listen to “Black Balenciagas” below: