Many see themselves as “Atlanta’s rising star”, but after the release of his debut album Angelic Hoodrat, the young Kenny Mason is most worthy of the title. Unlike many of his predecessors, Mason holds a versatile and completely wild side which, while it may initially take you by surprise, is ultimately his strength. Forget a little what you already know of the Atlanta sound. Angelic Hoodrat favours primarily sombre emo-drill production with gong bass (Firestarter, PTSD…), then embraces some ultra-kitsch pop influences (Handles, Anti-Gravity…). The rapper has stressed in interviews that his influences range from Pixies to Future through Kanye West. An apt way of putting it. If you were to trace a triangle between these three references, the central point would arrive at Kenny Mason. With strengths and weaknesses. © Brice Miclet/Qobuz