Kockee K - 53rd Degree (Chapel City)

Published by Chris September 30th, 2006 in Local, Music Reviews.

He’s the man about town, everyone knows him and he pops up in music videos, gigs and out of the fog, sometimes I think there are 5 or 6 Kockee clones as this guy just seems to be everywhere right now. If for any reason you were unsure why Kockee called his album the 53rd Degree its because that is where he is from Leeds, and the 53rd Degree is the point where Leeds is on the global axis. The album has some great guest appearances from other local artists such as Double D Dagger, Jin and S.O.L, and the production by Lanre and Tom aka Slickhanded productions is exceptional. This is the “gold edition” CD that was on a limited release but I have it on good authority there will be a general release with guest appearances from some well known UK acts.
Kockee is Mr Entertainment, with this LP demonstrating the artists clever wordplay and power to catch a listener with some great hooks and party tracks. The flutey orchestral samples used in the track 53rd Degree are catchy and used effectively whilst the pure unalduterated, uncensored, unkempt power of the electro-fired “FK with Me” pulls you in and the listener can’t help but feel fired up by the grimey instrumental. Great examples of the artists ability to appeal to such a wide audience can be found throughout a well organised album, the latino inspired “Loca” just adds to yet another catchy pop offering from Kockee with the track “K.O.C.K.E.E” another crowd pleaser.
The artist really has thrown the gauntlet down to many other Leeds artists for them to produce work of a similar high standard or they will undoubtedly be left behind when the plaudits inevitably arise for an entertainer of such great potential.