What does 2021 have in store for T$oko?
Prolific Zimbabwe-born, Perth-based hip hop artist T$oko has shared an absolute treasure chest of a release titled OverKiLL. Keen to release the large quantity of music he has been sitting on, the drop is what T$oko labels 'a prelude' to his upcoming project. We sat down with T$oko to chat all about the incredible release!
Congratulations on the release of OverKiLL! How does it feel to have it all out in the world?
Gracias, no lie, it feels good, my orphans/loosies finally have their own project/ home (laughs). It’s been a tough year for everyone, and that made the usual rollout process challenging but it’s an interesting proposition and it feels good to share what I’ve been working on while in isolation and beforehand.
The release is a collection of six previously unreleased tracks, if you had to pick a favourite child (track on the EP), which would it be?
They are all my favourites, no cap, that would be like saying I have a favourite child. Lol jokes. But if I had to choose one which I hold close it would be 'Champagne Showers’. I have a personal attachment to it as it’s like my memoir and a timeline of progression as an artist. Also, 'YGB (Young Gifted and Black)' as I was able to talk about a lot of things which I hold personally close to me and others relating to different social issues we are seeing every day at the moment.
OverKiLL features production from the likes of JuiceBangers (Cobra Music Group), Stro Elliot (The Roots), Willie B (Digi+Phonics - Top Dawg Entertainment) and Dr Dundiff (Jakarta Records).
How did these collaborations come about?
I was very blessed to have my team reach out to some extremely talented people and different producers and we were fortunate enough for them to respect my craft and what I do. Willie B is someone we have respected for a long time from his work with Kendrick x TDE. I know he and my management had been going back and forth for some time going through different joints, listening to different songs so I was glad to get that one finally out. JuiceBangers was someone I worked with previously on a couple of things, namely on my track 'Ben Simmons’. His material constantly inspires me to try new and different techniques when in the studio. We had started speaking with Kaellin Ellis before he even had started on that project with Lupe Fiasco, and he sent over a few tingz to work to which were all crazy!! That kid is super talented and we were so lucky to have him bless the project. I’m super blessed to work with such a talented group of people who have been nothing but supportive of what I’m trying to do out here.
Who is on your collaboration bucket list?
I’ve got some amazing collabs with the best current and upcoming talent WA has to offer on my next project - I’ll leave that as a surprise for now (laughs). We recorded over a couple of days and everyone came through and just smashed it. Would love to collab with Kevin Parker and Tame Impala, love what Pond is doing as well, Ecca Vandal is someone I have been talking to for a while, as you can imagine they are super super busy, but would still love to get something happening with her, they are amazing ... I’d also love to do something with Mxxwell, Taku, Hwls. There is so much talent out here and I’d love to maybe connect with some different artists on the national level!
Key ingredient for a good collaboration?
Good beats, good energy and good vibes.
OverKiLL is a collection of the tracks that didn’t make the cut for your upcoming project. Is there anything you can tease about this ‘upcoming release’?
Expect the unexpected, naaah, I’m excited! I kind of gave you a little taste on this latest project, but I’ve got some great collabs once again with Soulection’s Jrobb. I was blessed to be able to get in the studio with him while he was out here on his most recent tour of Australia and we vibed and ran through a number of joints and another collab with Tek.Lun ( Kaytranada - Goldlink ) that is just something maaan... I’m super excited for people to hear it!
How do you hope people will listen to OverKiLL? (eg. Blasting it through the speakers, with mates (digitally or in real life), on the beach etc.)
All of the above…(laughs) we got you. I feel whether it be your backyard bbq vibes, riding around with the squad, to soaking up summer vibes. We got you covered! I try to consistently keep my music on the same wavelength as the way I live my life so it’s balanced. You are going to get a sprinkle of different elements for different vibes and situations that you can relate to. I don’t try to pigeon hole myself in just doing music to one soundscape. Whether it be listening to the latest Griselda or Gibbs ... to listening to the latest Gunna or Da babies. (laughs), the latest Wizkid or Burna boy. I’m constantly inspired by different elements musically.
You’ve had a packed 2020 with the release of TIME and OverKiLL.
What do you hope 2021 will bring for T$oko?
Just plenty more light and love. There will be definitely more music and content. I hope it reaches the wider audience and we get to share these moments together.
